Albinism

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In the southeastern African country of Malawi deaths of people with albinism are on the rise. This rare condition is the result of the body producing little to no melanin pigment. People with this condition may have skin sensitivity and visual impairment. These people are at risk of being killed for body parts due to the belief that the body parts can bring good luck and wealth, and have magical powers. People with this condition also face such misconceptions as it being contagious and women with this condition also are at the risk of sexual assault due to the belief that having sex with someone with albinism can cure AIDS. It is also said to be a curse from the gods. Since 2014 Amnesty International estimates that between 7,000 and 10,000 people of Malawi have this condition and there have been 150 cases of attacks and killings. Mostly children or young adults have been targeted although many cases are not reported. Victims face horrible deaths due to the belief that making the victim scream during the murder increases the magical power. An albino corpse can be worth as much as $75,000 and are sold on the illegal market. People with albinism are subject to the daily fear of being killed and societal discrimmination. Excluded from public services such as education and are called "fake white person" or "ghost" these people do not live very happy lives. In 2016 the country did implement stronger penalties against those who victimize the albinos. In 2019 the country has begun to offer $7,000 reward for information about abductions and killings.