Partners supporting the rights of persons with albinism in Zimbabwe have pledged to strengthen collaboration, improve access to health services, and expand awareness initiatives following a Partners Appreciation Workshop organised by the Zimbabwe Albino Association in Harare on 7 May 2026.
The workshop brought together more than 30 participants from government institutions, organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), private sector partners and the United Nations, including the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa. The meeting served as a platform to reflect on progress, share experiences and strengthen partnerships aimed at improving the wellbeing and inclusion of persons with albinism in Zimbabwe.
Participants highlighted the importance of sustained partnerships in advancing disability inclusion and improving access to services such as health care, education and social protection for persons with albinism.
A partnership is not measured by what we give. It is measured by what we build together, and together we build hope, protection and belonging.
said Ms Nhavira, Business Development Executive at Generation Health, emphasizing the value of collaboration in achieving long-term social impact.
Representatives from organisations including the Federation of Organizations of Disabled People in Zimbabwe, Higher Life Foundation, Zimplats, Sightsavers, and the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives that promote dignity, safety and equal opportunities for persons with albinism.
During the workshop, Mrs Maunganidze highlighted the everyday challenges faced by persons with albinism, particularly health risks associated with prolonged sun exposure.
Skin cancer is one of the biggest threats to persons with albinism. Many of us also experience poor eyesight, which makes everyday tasks such as reading difficult.
said Mrs Maunganidze.
Despite these challenges, she noted that partnerships with government institutions, development organisations and the private sector have helped families better support children with albinism and improve awareness about their rights.
Speaking at the event, Abdul Rahman Lamin, Head of Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, emphasized the crucial role played by organisations of persons with disabilities in advancing inclusion.
OPDs such as ZIMAS and others across Zimbabwe have been instrumental in shaping the disability landscape in the country. They demonstrate how persons with disabilities can contribute meaningfully to policy reform and systems change.
said Abdul Rahman Lamin, Head of Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa.
He also acknowledged the late Farai Maunganidze for his contribution to strengthening disability inclusion efforts in Zimbabwe, including supporting the United Nations Country Team in conducting the first and second OPD-led assessments under the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy.
A panel discussion on partnering to promote the rights of persons with albinism
Private sector partners also underscored the importance of collective action.
Sustainable social impact is never achieved in isolation. It is built through collaboration, trust and shared purpose.
said Mr Saburi, Head of Corporate Affairs at Zimplats.
Zimbabwe is estimated to have 9,753 persons with albinism, according to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency 2022 Population and Housing Census. Persons with albinism continue to face discrimination, stigma and violence in many parts of the world due to harmful myths and misconceptions, alongside health challenges such as increased vulnerability to skin cancer.
Through the Global Disability Fund programme in Zimbabwe, UNESCO, working with the United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Population Fund, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, continues to support initiatives that promote the rights, participation and protection of persons with disabilities, including persons with albinism.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-joins-partners-strengthen-collaboration-rights-persons-albinism-zimbabwe?hub=701
