Tanzanian activist requests government’s support in the treatment of vitiligo

DAR ES SALAAM: THE founder of Beyond Skin Initiative, Clementina Chalamila, has urged the government to introduce free treatment for people living with vitiligo, saying the service should be prioritized in the same way as antiretroviral (ARVs) therapy for people living with HIV, to help those who cannot afford the cost of treatment.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Daily News Digital, Chalamila said many people living with vitiligo face financial barriers that prevent them from accessing treatment, while others lose hope because of the high cost of care and the persistent stigma surrounding the condition.

She said these challenges have prevented some people from fully participating in social and economic activities, while others lack the confidence to pursue various opportunities for fear of being judged based on the appearance of their skin.

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According to Chalamila, her personal journey demonstrates that vitiligo does not limit a person’s ability to succeed. Rather, she said, the greatest obstacle is society’s perception of the condition. After accepting herself, she established Beyond Skin Initiative to use her experience to provide hope, education and encouragement to others living with vitiligo.

She said that if the government introduces a system to provide free vitiligo treatment, more people would be encouraged to seek medical care instead of hiding because of the high cost of treatment and fear of discrimination.

Chalamila added that such a move would also improve public awareness of vitiligo, reduce discrimination and give people living with the condition greater hope and confidence to pursue their goals without being held back by negative societal attitudes.