Albinism, the Victims of Superstitions, Witchcraft and Poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

In some communities in sub-Saharan Africa like in Tanzania, erroneous myths and superstitions next to the belief in witchcraft and occult forces put the lives of persons with albinism in danger. Persons who have albinism in Tanzania are considered simply to vanish. They are referred to as ghosts, evil spirits or source of money. The most dangerous beliefs about persons with albinism are being promoted by witchcraft and witchdoctors, which is the belief that bones and body parts taken from persons with albinism bring wealth, luck and success. And in the rise of mining industry in Tanzania, these dangerous myths promoted by witchdoctors tend to have a great influence on lives of persons with albinism. the aim of this dissertation is to spot the light on persons with albinism in Tanzania and their suffering that is caused by myths, superstitions and witchcraft. The major fundamental factors leading to the ritual killing and discrimination against persons with albinism will be highlighted as well.