351. In relation to mental health, the Court has noted in this judgment that, PWA are discriminated against and suffer stigma from birth and throughout most of their lives. They suffer from anxiety and fear of attacks due to the superstitions and harmful beliefs regarding them. In addition, the disdainful treatment in health centres affects their psychosocial wellbeing. Children and women suffer other mental health challenges such as abandonment and seclusion from families and society at large. 352. The Court observes that the Respondent State has submitted that it has undertaken some awareness-raising campaigns to curb the societal norms and negative attitudes towards PWA, however, the Court notes that it has not addressed the issue of providing counselling and other services that PWA urgently require to avoid mental health diseases such as depression and suicide tendencies. 353. The Court underscores that the mental well-being of individuals in the Respondent State is not an inferior obligation or a by-product of physical wellness such that it can be taken for granted or dispensed with. The Court reminds the Respondent State that the mental well-being of PWA who suffer trauma from birth is equally a primary health care which needs to be attended to forthwith. 354. Finally, the Court observes as reported by the Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of Human Rights by Persons with Albinism that many PWA lack basic medical information regarding their condition and therefore seek medical assistance as a last resort, at which point, it is too late.100 The Court notes that the obligation of the Respondent State extends to disseminating of medical information especially to vulnerable groups like PWA. Therefore, the Respondent State has failed in this duty. 100 Report of the Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of Human Rights by Persons with Albinism, supra. 80

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