Albinism Health Project

 

While a Peace Corps Volunteer, Ms Robinson noticed a relatively high incidence of albinism in the cities of Dakar and Thies, Senegal.

 

 

She began to inquire about the causes of this condition, as well as related health effects. It was difficult obtaining information on the etiology of this disease due to the cultural taboo surrounding this condition.

Finally, she was introduced to a family with two sons with albinism. The oldest son, El Hadj Galaye, was in his early twenties at the time. She was quite impressed with his understanding and description of his health condition. On her vacation to the U.S., Linda visited a medical library in Baltimore to gather information on the condition of albinism.
Upon her return to Senegal, El Hadj told Linda of the problems facing the albinism population, and the day-to-day issues confronting people with albinism. Many were unable to attend school. As a livelihood, many resorted to panhandling (mendiant du rue, Fr.) because they could not find work. El Hadj was one of the few who had completed high school. He had been looking for an opportunity to help people like himself, better their lives. When Linda showed interest and concern, he saw an opportunity.
Together Linda and El Hadj decided to do some demographics in the area. They located and met with other people in the community with albinism. After discussing common needs and goals, together they founded L'Association Nationale des Albinos du Senegal or L'ANAS. This organization seeks to organize people throughout the country in addressing the issues of literacy, training and skills, health services such as eye exams, skin exams, sports and income-generating activities for people with albinism.
They convened a seminar at Thies' Chamber of Commerce, to which medical providers, social workers, educators, merchants, Peace Corps administrators, volunteers, and families were invited.
They began by educating the albinism community about this condition and related health issues such as predisposition to skin cancer in this tropical climate. They were able to obtain free eye exams and donated eye drops for members. Linda and El Hadj continued their public education campaign on national television.

A local physician chairs the seminar, introducing the panel of medical, social and economic experts.

As a result, of this seminar entitled "A Day in the Life of an Albino", the governor of Thies gave the new organization a parcel of land.

With this donation of land, Linda and El Hadj set out to seek funding to build a community center. A proposal was submitted and funded through an American embassy program, to construct this facility. Construction was completed in 1997.
The dedication took place in1998 with Congressman Donald Payne (NJ) and Congressman Tom Campbell (CA), in attendance, during their visit to Senegal. The center was named in Linda's honor.
Little L'ANAS member in front of the community center. On Linda's 2005 visit to Senegal, L'ANAS had mounted this beautiful placard bearing flags of both countries, on the cloture of Robinson House Community Center for Albinos.
 

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Updated: August 2008