There are approximately 170,000 albinos living in Tanzania. Not only do they suffer from chronically poor vision and the constant specter of skin cancer, they now face a new threat: a violent black market.
Many witch doctors in the region believe an albino's limb is a talisman. They prey on superstitions; some people now believe the limbs bring good fortune to their fishing nets or gold mines. Many albinos fear for their lives, and many have fled.
This gallery of images by Maro Kouri depicts their plight.
Here, a 22-year-old mother of twins plays with her child. The family moved to Burahati, near Dar El Salam, Tanzania, because of constant threats from locals in the coastal region of Kilwa. In Burahati, she remains at risk.
Ernest Kimaya is chairman of the Tanzanian Albinos Association. He is a 42-year old businessman from Tanga, married to a woman of color. Together they have four colored children. Approximately 170,000 albinos live in Tanzania, 4,080 of whom are registered members of the association. The Tanzanian government gives 1,250 euros annually to the group, but its main sources of support are NGOs and private donations.
Maro Kouri/IML Image Group/Redux
Both albino and colored students attend Mitindo Primary School in the Misungwi district. The school, 45 km southeast of Mwanza, has become a shelter for its 95 albino students.
Maro Kouri/IML Image Group/Redux
Children playing outside of St. Mary's International Primary & Secondary School, located in the Mwanza region.
Tindy, a 9-year old albino girl and Vivianna, her 11-year old albino sister, were both adopted by Al shaimaa Kwegyir, an albino member of parliament. In early 2008, invaders at the girls’ former home amputated Viviana's leg, in front of her sister. Police are still searching for the perpetrators.
Since the incident, Viviana is afraid of men. Kwegyir pays for the expensive school. Viviana has an artificial leg which was implanted at Kilimanjaro KCMC hospital. The sisters inherited their albinism from their father.
Viviana's prosthetic leg, which she is rapidly outgrowing.
Maro Kouri/IML Image Group/Redux
Hawa Sahidi, a 20-year old albino woman, lives in Mananya Mala, 5 km west of Dar El Salaam, with her colored mother, Habiba Ali. Her father, Beku, died 10 years ago. After Hawa's birth the Sahidis left the coastal town of Mladizi, frightened by the anti-albino superstitions of the its inhabitants.
Hawa's albino brother died from cancer. Hawa and her mother are supported by two other brothers. Hawa had an operation earlier this year to remove her carcinoma. She visits Ocean Road Cancer Hospital in Dar El Salaam every week for treatment. A Dutch NGO donated 400,000 Tanzanian shillings for her therapy, which is equal to 250 euros. Hawa has friends in the neighborhood, but says she prefers to spend time alone.
Mabula Fimbo Masalar, grandfather of a deceased albino victim from the Mwanza region. He keeps her grave under his bed to avoid desecration.
Maro Kouri/IML Image Group/Redux
Dr. Jef Luande is the chief oncologist at Ocean Road Cancer Institute. One of his patients, 38-year-old Yuma, lost his hand a year ago from cancer.
In his hometown, Tabura, Yuma fears for his life.
Four-year-old Sahidi eats candy outside the Albino Association's office, located within the Ocean Road Cancer Hospital.
Maro Kouri/IML Image Group/Redux
Two albino survivors, 16-year old Semeni and 12-year old Sida, outside their hut in Segerema. In February 2009, five assassins invaded their home and cut off the limbs of their 14 year old sister, Unis Luguisha, killing her.
Maro Kouri/IML Image Group/Redux
Following Unis’ murder, the men of Butonga village now organize night shifts around the house to protect the rest of the family.
Maro Kouri/IML Image Group/Redux
Children play outside of St. Mary's International Primary & Secondary School in the Mwanza region.
Maro Kouri/IML Image Group/Redux
Keisha Hadija Saban is a 22-year old albino pop star famous in Tanzania for singing about albino rights, love, and friendship.
Maro Kouri/IML Image Group/Redux
Ziuazahau Rikele, a 22-year old albino mother of young twins, does chores outside her home in the village of Burahati, one of the poorest suburbs of Dar El Salaam.
Maro Kouri/IML Image Group/Redux
Lukas Ligoma is a 4-year old albino boy who lives with his parents on the outskirts of Mwanza. His older albino brother, Faraha, now attends Mitindo school. In a previous school, he was locked him in the toilets.
Maro Kouri/IML Image Group/Redux
