Africa-Press – Botswana. Government currently provides free dermatological and skin care services to persons with albinism through the Ministry of Health.
This was said Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Mr Moeti Mohwasa in response to a parliamentary question on Monday.
Minister Mohwasa said plans to improve such services included strengthening public health systems through capacity building and improved referral systems, gradual expansion of specialist services, as well as enhancing access to essential sun-protection resources, public health education, early detection and regular skin screening.
He added that the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education promoted inclusive education for children with albinism through provision of spectacles and materials in large fonts, additional time for tests or exams, strategic sitting positions and the use of scribes where necessary as well as diagnostic assessments to ensure informed provision of special education needs and proper placement of learners.
He further said government supported organisations for persons with albinism through providing subventions, offering psycho-social support and assistive devices for mobility while services were coordinated through the Ministry for State President, Defence and Security, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education and Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs.
He told legislators that government had ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which ensured equal human rights for persons with albinism.
“This has been domesticated through Persons with Disabilities Act No. 6 of 2024 and the Revised National Disability Policy of 2021,” he said.
Member of Parliament for Kgatleng Central, Mr Mpho Morolong had asked the minister to state if government had specific legislation or policies addressing the rights and protection of persons with albinism, and if not, what plans were in place to develop them.
Mr Morolong also wanted to know how the ministry planned to improve access to specialised dermatological care and sun protection resources for persons with albinism.
He further to know the steps that were taken to ensure that children with albinism had equal access to education, including provision for visual aid and inclusive learning environment.
The legislator also asked how government collaborates with organisations supporting persons wit albinism to provide counselling, mobility assistance and address specific challenges they faced.
