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Registered nurse, humanitarian leader and advocate for persons with albinism in Cameroon.
I am a woman with albinism. I know what it feels like to burn under the sun with no sunscreen to protect your skin. I know what it is like to sit in class and struggle to read the board. And I know the stares, the whispers and the myths that make people treat you as less than human.
These were not stories I read about. They were my own experiences, and as I grew up and trained as a nurse, I saw many other persons with albinism going through the same pain, often with even less support. Children were dropping out of school. Families did not know how to protect their loved ones. Too many were suffering in silence.
That is why I founded AWA in Bamenda in 2016. I wanted no person with albinism in Cameroon to face these challenges alone.
I did not do this alone. I am deeply grateful to everyone who believed in this vision from the very beginning: my family, friends, mentors and early supporters who encouraged me and told me, “You can do it.” Thank you as well to our members, volunteers, Board, partners and donors, who carry this vision forward with us.
Ngom Maceline Anwi is a humanitarian and international development professional, registered nurse and researcher. She founded the Association for the Welfare of Albinos (AWA) in 2016 and leads it as Executive Director.
Her work advances disability inclusion, albinism rights, child protection, gender equality, public health, climate action, humanitarian response and sustainable development, through evidence-based programming, research, advocacy, strategic partnerships and policy engagement.
She has contributed to research and learning, including adapting inclusive education resources for Cameroon, to promote evidence-informed policies and programmes for persons with disabilities.
Association for the Welfare of Albinos (AWA), Cameroon · 2016 to present
Leads AWA's strategy, programmes, staff and volunteers across health and skin protection, inclusive education, protection, economic empowerment and advocacy.
WASH Cluster, North-West Region of Cameroon
Contributes to strategic planning, humanitarian coordination and inclusive programming, so that vulnerable and marginalised people, including persons with albinism and persons with disabilities, are not left behind.
Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)
Part of a continental network of young African leaders driving change in their communities.
United People Global · Sustainability Leader
Works with changemakers around the world for inclusive and sustainable development.
Executive Director · Project Manager · Programme Coordinator · Case Management Supervisor
Has supervised multidisciplinary teams, mentored caseworkers, strengthened service quality, coordinated stakeholders, and promoted survivor-centred and child-centred approaches.
On 3 December 2021, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Dream Network Foundation honoured Ngom Maceline Anwi with the Golden Excellence Award for the best in the welfare of persons with albinism in crisis-affected regions of Cameroon.
The award recognises AWA's work to protect and support persons with albinism where conflict and displacement put them at even greater risk.
Awarded by: Dream Network Foundation · Date: 3 December 2021
Read about the award in Thisability Newspaper (South Africa) →
Trains and works as a registered nurse, seeing first-hand how persons with albinism are left behind in health care.
Founds the Association for the Welfare of Albinos (AWA) in Bamenda.
AWA becomes a legally registered association.
Receives the Golden Excellence Award from the Dream Network Foundation for the best in the welfare of persons with albinism in crisis-affected regions of Cameroon.
Becomes a Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) member for the WASH Cluster, North-West Region of Cameroon, making sure persons with albinism and persons with disabilities are not left behind.
Becomes a YALI West Africa alumna and a United People Global alumna, profiled as a UPG Sustainability Leader.
Leads the pilot of the Teacher’s Information Booklet on albinism with Lancaster University, and shares AWA’s work on inclusive learning data with the Unlocking Data Initiative.
Making sure persons with albinism and other disabilities are included in every area of life: health, education, protection, work, humanitarian response and community life.
Survivor-centred and child-centred case management, prevention and response.
Water, sanitation, hygiene, skin and eye care, and inclusive health services.
Coordination and community resilience in crisis-affected regions of Cameroon.
Her experience also covers monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL), partnership development and resource mobilisation.
She has also appeared on CRTV, Star TV, My Media Prime TV and Abakwa Radio. See all media coverage →
“Together, we can make every person with albinism safe, included and able to thrive.”
Ngom Maceline Anwi
Support AWA's work, partner with us, or invite Ngom Maceline Anwi to speak at your event.
