Superstitious men rape women with albinism to cure HIV

Some superstitious Zimbabwean men living with HIV are said to be raping women with albinism believing they will be cured of the virus.

The Zimbabwe Albino Association (Zimas) estimates 70 percent of victims are succumbing to HIV before reaching the age of 60.

Zimas director Mrs Mercy Chimanga said roughly 20 women - perhaps fearing stigma - only revealed the rape when their health had seriously deteriorated.

Mrs Chimanga's association linked this abuse to the "HIV curing" myth based on the women's testimonies.
It is unclear, though, how the myth evolved.

"Our girls have been raped and this is a matter of great concern," said Mrs Chimanga.

"We believe hundreds of sexual abuses are occurring, yet only a small number has been reported."

Albino Charity Organisation of Zimbabwe (Alcoz) executive director Mrs Loveness Mainato said 60 percent of Zimbabweans with albinism live in rural areas, making them susceptible to HIV and skin cancer.

She implored swift Government intervention "because a combination of albinism, HIV and cancer equals daylight murder".

Ministry of Health and Child Care director (Aids and Tuberculosis) Dr Owen Mugurungi said sexual intercourse with a person with albinism does not cure Aids.

He said: "Instead, people should take their medication and stop transmitting the virus. They should not follow silly procedures that transmit the virus by listening to misinformed n'angas and apostolic sect members."

Albinism is a group of genetic disorders that cause the skin, hair or eyes to have little or no colour.
Over 17 000 Zimbabweans have some form of albinism, according to Zimas.