Reporting on Albinism in Africa

Reporting on Albinism in Africa

Traditional beliefs still lead to murder in the 21st Century. We hear how brutal abuse of people with albinism in Tanzania is shedding insight on traditional cultural ideas, modern day realities, and the role of skin color around the globe.

Tanzanian BBC reporter Vicky Ntetema regularly contributed to international news programs, but never expected her life to become a part of the story. That changed when Ntetema uncovered East Africa's dark secret: many traditional witchdoctors were responsible for the many brutal attacks and murders of Tanzanians with albinism. How the deaths and her investigation exposed uncomfortable truths about the culture, government, and the nature of skin color in Africa.

Guests

Vicky Ntetema

reporter in Tanzania, formerly with BBC; also, Executive Director for Media and International Affairs, Under The Same Sun (UTSS)Tanzania

Related Links

Related Video

ABC News produced a video piece on a Tanzanian woman with Albinism who got new arms:

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The Kojo Nnamdi Show is produced by member-supported WAMU 88.5 in Washington DC.