Identifying strategies to enhance the educational inclusion of visually impaired children with albinism in Malawi

Oculocutaneous albinism is an inherited condition with significant health and social impact on the lives of those affected throughout sub-Saharan, including in Malawi. Myths and superstitions surrounding the condition lead to stigmatisation, rejection and misconceptions. In a participatory study, consultations with educational professionals, children with albinism and their families documented the barriers to full educational access and revealed low-cost strategies that could be implemented in mainstream schools, to minimise the effect of the visual impairment associated with albinism. These were captured in two information booklets in English and vernacular, one for children and the other appropriate for teacher training.