Juju Chang on Killing of Albinos in Tanzania

AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY INTO THE WORLD OF AN ALBINO ON “20/20,” AIRING FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 10 PM ET ON ABC

August 26, 2010 11:47 AM

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Imagine being hunted down by another human because your body is thought to possess magical powers that people want to bottle. That is the gruesome reality for people with albinism living in Tanzania, Africa. Albinism, a medical condition where the body produces little or no pigment, exists everywhere, in every ethnic group in the world. Here in the United States albinos, as they are commonly called, aren’t facing the shocking attacks of those in Africa, but often face ridicule, prejudice and exclusion. Since Juju Chang first reported on the extreme treatment of those living with albinism on “20/20” last October, there was an outpouring of concern and donations. But what has happened since to the diverse people she introduced viewers to in her original report? Chang’s updated report – which includes one victim coming to America for life-changing prosthetics – airs on FRIDAY, AUGUST 27 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Chang traveled to Tanzania, Africa where those with albinism are being hacked and killed so that witch doctors can use their body parts in potions. UNICEF has called the practice a “heinous human rights violation.” Chang reports on the lucrative underground trade, because of the belief held by some that a potion containing albino bones will bring luck and great wealth. She interviews one of only two people to have survived such an attack, a woman who had her arms chopped off and lost her unborn baby due to the trauma of the attack.

“20/20” is anchored by Elizabeth Vargas and Chris Cuomo. David Sloan is executive producer.

August 26, 2010 in 20/20 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (0)

ABC Focuses On Albinism

Sat Aug 28 2010 05:41:05 GMT-0700 (Pacific Standard Time) by GD ( Leave a comment )

By Meena Kar
Aug 28, (THAINDIAN NEWS) Friday night’s episode of ‘20/20′ on ABC focused on Mariamu Staford’s transformation from a victim of blind superstition to a symbol of hope for all the people suffering from albinism across the world. ABC correspondent Juju Chang who covered the story last year interviewed Mariamu Staford after she was fitted with the prosthetic arms that gave her the much needed freedom. Her arms were hacked off by men in the middle of the night as a part of the custom that believed that albino body parts have healing properties. The custom is prevalent in several parts of Africa and as many as 60 people with albinism have been killed in the attacks.

In one sting operation by the media recently, an African with doctor was shown trading the body parts of an albino. Mariamu Staford is said to be one of the few survivors of the attack. She made her way into America after her case received great media attention. The episode of ‘20/20′ showed how Mariamu Staford became an advocate for the cause and met up with congressman Gerald Connolly and urged him to fight for the cause. Gerald Connolly appeared in the episode and spoke about the cause as well.

Within three months of Mariamu Staford meeting up with Gerald Connolly, the cause made it to the floor of the Congress. With just one vote against it, the US government passed a resolution that not only condemned the crimes but also asked for swift measures to be taken against the atrocities against the albinos in East Africa. Mariamu Staford went back to Africa with not just new hands, but new hope for the people like her.

More at : ABC Focuses On Albinism http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/abc-focuses-on-albinism_100419669.html#ixzz0xwBjRKVU