The Trumpet Newspaper Issue 582 (October 19 - November 1 2022)

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Page2 TheTrumpet OCTOBER 19 - NOVEMBER 1 2022 News UN expert calls for end of attacks on persons with albinism AUnited Nations (UN) expert has called for urgent action to combat attacks against persons with albinism including murders and mutilations, which are spiking in Madagascar as dangerous myths and poverty persist. Babies and children remain prime targets among a doubling of attacks this year. “False beliefs, myths and superstitions that the eyes of people with albinism can bring good luck and wealth have triggered attacks mostly targeting children in the south of the country, where poverty is rife,” said the Independent Expert on Albinism, Muluka-Anne Miti- Drummond. “People with albinism, in the most remote areas in this region, live in perpetual fear and have resorted to taking their children and leaving them in local police and gendarmerie stations for protection.” The Government should launch nationwide campaigns to educate and raise awareness to tackle false beliefs, myths, superstitions and ignorance about albinism. Between 2020 and 2022, police and the gendarmerie reported around 45 cases that include abductions, mutilations, and murders. Attacks in 2022 have doubled compared to 2021, with four attacks recorded in one month. Victims have included a nine-month-old baby. “Another attack was reported to me just a few days ago, underscoring the need for immediate, robust protection for people with albinism, particularly in remote regions, where poverty is rife,” Miti-Drummond said in a statement after a recent 10-day official visit to the country. The expert visited impoverished communities in Fort Dauphin, Ambovombe and Amoboasary. She said the south has been worst-hit by climate change and has suffered from droughts, cyclones, severe food shortage and insecurity caused by dahalos, or cattle thieves. “COVID-19 has further compounded poverty and this has given fertile ground for dangerous myths to spread and manifest in attacks and other harmful practices in the vain hope of obtaining wealth,” Miti-Drummond said. “Attacks are also said to increase before elections, Man with albinism (Photo - Kelisa Bernard on Unsplash) and I urge vigilance in light of the pending elections next year.” The expert was also concerned about the low level of convictions. “I am aware of only two convictions in the cases that I received and none for the most egregious crimes such as mutilations and murders. “Perpetrators must be brought to justice to avoid perceptions of impunity that can lead to mob justice.” Many people with albinism are prevented from obtaining gainful employment and accessing adequate education due to stigma and discrimination. Accessing sunscreen as a life-saving product is also too expensive for many. The expert commended the creation of a high-level technical committee on albinism which aims to develop a national action plan. A countrywide study and analysis of people with albinism is also planned. Miti-Drummond will submit a comprehensive report on her visit to the Human Rights Council in March 2023. PEER & CO IMMIGRATION SPECIALISTS 15 Years experience with UK Immigration, Appeals, Deportations, and Removal cases. * Judicial Review. * Prison and Detention Centre Legal Visits. * British Citizenship Applications. * Visas and more... Free Initial Consultation and Competitive Legal Fees Birmingham: 0121 554 0565 London: 020 7183 3706 Watford: 01923 901150 Emergency: 07833 675415 Email: shiraz@peerandco.com Head Office: 420 Witton Road, Aston, Birmingham B6 6PP
News OCTOBER 19 - NOVEMBER 1 2022 TheTrumpet Sierra Leone moves against cervical cancer with HPV vaccine Page3 In a move to protect adolescent girls from cervical cancer, the Government of Sierra Leone has introduced the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine to the routine immunisation schedule and launched the start of a campaign to reach 153,991 girls with the vaccine. The introduction of HPV vaccine is one of the key strategies that the Government is implementing toward cervical cancer elimination in the country. The Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) – with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organization (WHO) – will administer HPV vaccines nationwide through schools, targeting 153,991 10- year-old girls, who will each receive two doses over a six-month period. Despite the HPV vaccine providing a proven and safe tool to protect women and girls against HPV and the risk of cervical cancer, global coverage rates among 15-year-old girls remain low at 15 percent with two doses on average. Latest global immunisation coverage data shows that just 12% of girls globally are receiving the crucial vaccine with immunisation campaigns particularly disrupted by lockdowns and school closures. “The Government of Sierra Leone wholeheartedly welcomes the introduction of the HPV vaccination drive and urges all to support girls ten years of age to be vaccinated and thus preventing them from cervical cancer and its consequences during the course of their entire lives”, said Dr Austin Demby, Minister of Health and Sanitation. Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth Continued on Page 7
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The Trumpet Newspaper Issue 582 (October 19 - November 1 2022)

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