Monrovia, Liberia – The Ministry of Health has been publicly criticised by the Liberia Albinism Society (LAS) for allegedly neglecting people with albinism for an extended period of time. The ministry is accused of failing to develop significant programmes and support measures for the vulnerable population.
LAS Executive Director Patricia Logan voiced her dissatisfaction with Health Minister Dr. Louise Kpoto’s leadership during events honouring International Albinism Awareness Day in Monrovia over the weekend. She pointed out that the ministry has not sufficiently addressed the particular health and social issues that people with albinism throughout Liberia face.
Logan stated that despite persistent lobbying efforts, the Ministry of Health has demonstrated little dedication to offering specialized interventions, such as public awareness campaigns, healthcare service access, and protective supplies required by individuals with albinism. The ministry’s performance was compared to that of the ministries of gender, children and social protection; and finance and development planning, which she claimed have continuously supported and worked with the albinism community over the years.
Logan claims that the two ministries’ support has improved the wellbeing of people with albinism and helped to solve some of the issues facing the community. Using the event, the LAS Executive Director reiterated calls for more robust government action, highlighting the importance of laws and initiatives that ensure people with albinism have equal access to social protection and healthcare.
The Liberia Albinism Society has given the Ministry of Health two-week deadline to show a stronger commitment to the needs of people with albinism across the country, cautioning that failure to do so could further marginalize an already vulnerable group.
