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{{Short description|Christian charitable organization}} |
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{{About|the Christian organization|the song by [[Scorpions (band)|Scorpions]]|Face the Heat}} |
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'''Under The Same Sun''' is an organization that promotes the wellbeing of persons with albinism (PWA). In most African countries, PWA are being discriminated against due to myths arising around skin colour differences. In many of these countries "fatal discrimination" is occurring. |
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'''Under The Same Sun''' (UTSS) is a Christian [[charitable organization]] that promotes the wellbeing of persons with [[albinism]] (PWA) via education and advocacy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=AFP |first=Agence France-Presse- |date=2022-06-12 |title=Albinism: Inherited melanin deficiency facing ongoing discrimination |url=https://www.dailysabah.com/life/health/albinism-inherited-melanin-deficiency-facing-ongoing-discrimination |access-date=2022-09-16 |website=Daily Sabah |language=en-US}}</ref> In most African countries, [[Persecution of people with albinism|PWA are discriminated against]] due to misconceptions around the nature of albinism and beliefs that it is related to witchcraft. In many of these countries "fatal discrimination" is occurring.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Madagascar police shoot 18 dead in albino kidnap protest: Medic |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/30/madagascar-police-shoot-18-dead-in-albino-kidnap-protest-medic |access-date=2022-09-16 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}}</ref> |
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==Problem with Albinism in Africa== |
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Persons with the genetic condition of albinism (“commonly referred to as “albino”) are being targeted for their body parts in witchcraft related killings. It is a common belief in most African countries that the body parts of a person with albinism (PWA) are able to bring them prosperity or luck when made into a potion or talisman by a witchdoctor (traditional healer). This puts all PWA in grave danger with the result that most live in fear, especially in the months leading up to an election when attacks tend to increase. |
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Skin cancer is the number 1 killer of PWA in most equatorial African countries. Since albinism results from a lack of pigmentation (melanin) in the hair, skin and eyes, they have no natural protection from the sun's rays. For example; in Tanzania,less than 10% will live to age 30 and only 2% will live past the age of 40 due to skin cancer. Simple preventive measures such as the use of sun cream, sun glasses and long-sleeve shirts, pants & wide-brimmed hats will significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer. The emphasis must be placed on proper clothing since sunscreen is rarely available in most African countries and, when found, is too costly for most PWA to afford. (see information below) |
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Low vision is another major problem. Almost all people with albinism are visually impaired, with the majority being classified as “legally blind”. Their condition, due to a lack of pigmentation in the eyes, causes vulnerability and high sensitivity to bright light making it difficult to see on sunny days and in brightly lit rooms. As well, they need to be very close to an object to see what most people can see at a distance. In most parts of Africa this is not understood, resulting in the belief that PWA are stupid, and therefore not able to be educated or employed. Many parent will not send their children with albinism to school, thinking it is a waste of their resources. With a little understanding and a few simple accommodations in the classroom or workplace, PWA are able to function like anyone else if given the chance. |
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In Africa and worldwide, people with albinism are just like everyone else except for the 2 simple differences of low vision and the lack of pigment (colour) in their skin, hair and eyes. |
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The prevalence of albinism of albinism is much higher in Africa. While numbers vary, in North America and Europe it is estimated that 1 in every 17,000 to 20,000 people have some form of albinism. In Tanzania, and throughout East Africa, albinism is much more prevalent, with estimates of 1 in 2,000 people being affected. |
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In Africa, PWA are viewed as mythical or magical beings instead of human beings. For this reason it is not always safe for them to access public services like hospitals, doctors, police, schools or to simply walk alone since they can never tell who might be looking at them as a source of money or good luck. This leaves the PWA with nowhere to go when in need. |
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Finally, due to this discrimination, employers almost always refuse to offer jobs to a PWA because they know that many people will avoid their business. This results in poverty and homelessness for PWA across Africa.<ref>https://maps.google.ca/maps?client=safari&oe=UTF-8&safe=active&q=map+of+east+africa&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x187215248481cf73:0x523b9426a36c703d,East+Africa&gl=ca&ei=2NGoUqeNGY_1oATp64CYDQ&ved=0CCsQ8gEwAA</ref> |
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== References == |
== References == |
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{{Reflist}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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*{{Official website|http://www.underthesamesun.com}} |
*{{Official website|http://www.underthesamesun.com}} |
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[[Category:International organizations based in Canada]] |
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Latest revision as of 00:17, 30 July 2023
Under The Same Sun (UTSS) is a Christian charitable organization that promotes the wellbeing of persons with albinism (PWA) via education and advocacy.[1] In most African countries, PWA are discriminated against due to misconceptions around the nature of albinism and beliefs that it is related to witchcraft. In many of these countries "fatal discrimination" is occurring.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ AFP, Agence France-Presse- (2022-06-12). "Albinism: Inherited melanin deficiency facing ongoing discrimination". Daily Sabah. Retrieved 2022-09-16.
- ^ "Madagascar police shoot 18 dead in albino kidnap protest: Medic". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2022-09-16.
External links
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