AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY INTO THE WORLD OF AN ALBINO,
ON "20/20," AIRING FRIDAY, AUGUST 27
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 in which 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, AUG. 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.
|