The Misconception of Albinism (Causes and Curses): Implication on Women with Albinism Invisibility in Public Health Care Centres in Nigeria

Abstract

The plight of persons with albinism (PWA) in Nigeria have long been viewed and overemphasised in general terms often explained alongside the numerous curses and stereotypes embedded in the meanings associated with the causes of albinism. This article examines the misconception and misrepresentation of facts about the causes and curses inherent in the social cultural narratives about albinos and albinism and the corollary effect on the invisibility of women with albinism (WWA) in public health care centres in Nigeria. Specifically the study investigates the nuances endangering WWA from accessing modern health care services, the sociocultural influences, such as beliefs and traditions and the impact on behavioural outcomes of both WWA and medical practitioners. Using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions among a cross section of 52 households with WWA and 23 medical practitioners in selected public healthcare facilities across Nigeria, the study revealed that both medical practitioners and WWA are very much influenced and affected by the socio-cultural dictates of their environment which to a large extent associate PWA as ‘spirit beings’, ‘disables’ and ‘harbingers of evils and death’. This has a strong relationship with the perceptions and cultural stereotypes about PWA as materials for spiritual sacrifices and rituals. Thus social exclusion is evident in the limited opportunities and behavioural outcomes in showcasing their presence in public healthcare facilities. The study therefore calls for proper engagement of the civil society towards continuous reorientation and deconstruction of the traditionally held beliefs about the causes and unfounded curses attached to albinism in Nigeria. This will no doubt encourage WWA and PWA generally to be seen accessing public and modern healthcare facilities in the 21st century Nigeria.