TAEHO Tanzania

Being an albino can be a death sentence for those in Tanzania. As since 2006, over 71 people who have no pigment in their skin, hair, or eyes have been killed there. Another 29 have been attacked. (Source  -  http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/01/130125-albino-albinism-tanzania-witch-doctors/)

The genetic condition is believed to have been born in  this East African nation. Today, 1 in every 1,400 Tanzanians has it (the world average is 1 in 20,000). Nevertheless, misinformation abounds. Some locals believe albinos are ghosts that can’t die. Others think they were born into cursed families. And—most chillingly—witch doctors want to hack off  their limbs to put in magic potions promising prosperity and healing. A complete albino “set”—ears, tongue, nose, genitals, all four limbs—can sell for $75,000.

As a result, many of Tanzania’s 17,000 albinos have been hidden away by the government. 

The “Tanzania Economic and Health Organization (TAEHO) is the none governmental organization based in United Republic of Tanzania which dedicated to raising awareness about the ongoing human rights crisis impacting people with albinism in East Africa particularly in Tanzania.

They seek to teach people with albinism about the condition, so that they can better understand how to protect themselves from skin cancer.

They also work to dispel the myths surrounding the condition to increase acceptance in society.

Providing direct relief with sun protective gear and sunscreen, TAEHO also seeks to empower people with albinism by providing opportunities for education so that they can become vital and valuable members of society.