People with albinism plead for import duty exempti...

People with albinism plead for import duty exemption

Zim Now Writer

Noble Hands Zimbabwe Trust, a registered charity organisation whose mandate is to improve the livelihoods of marginalised women, youths and people with albinism, is appealing to the government for exemption in payment of duty on imported life-saving sunscreen lotions.

This comes after a package of sunscreens brought into the country under Albinism Konnect Cancer Support Programme was seized by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport over duty worthy over US$150 000.

Marvelous Tshuma, Noble Hands Zimbabwe Trust deputy director said the Albinism Konnect programme, has been running since 2020 focusing on health, education, sustainable empowerment, conflict resolution, and advocacy clusters in Zimbabwe.

“We have a crisis in ensuring that marginalised people with albinism in Zimbabwe continue to have constant access to sunscreen lotions, protective clothing, and eye care, which to us people with albinism are primary and basic human rights.

“We have a donation of life-saving lotions held up at RGM Airport pending payment of a whopping US$150 000. This really puts a strain on our meagre resources that we solely dedicate to helping skin cancer patients with albinism to get treatment for their cancers,” she said.

Failure by Noble Hands Zimbabwe Trust to pay customs duty attracts a fine of US$30 per day, which is effected four days after seizure.

Tshuma said that sometimes the duty will be more than the total cost of the goods.

“Our plea to authorities is for them to consider import exemption certificates for us as small organisations the same way they do with Private Voluntary Organisation as it is very difficult and expensive to acquire the sun lotions here in Zimbabwe,” she added.

Tshuma said a tube of sunscreen lotion costs about US$30 locally, which is beyond the reach of many, hence lack of access to basics has contributed to an increase in the number of deaths of people living with albinism.

Tshuma appealed to government to facilitate the importation of sunscreen lotions since most of the sunscreen lotions are sourced from outside the country.

“There is need for the Disability Policy to be followed in letter and print by all concerned government departments and quasi-government institutions for the benefit of people. We also urge government to ensure that a budget is set aside for the production of sunscreen lotions locally,” she said.

Meanwhile, Tshuma is encouraging local and foreign corporates to join in the Albinism Konnect Campaign for the benefit of people with albinism and help change the social perceptions to end poverty, exclusion, harmful practices and beliefs.