U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently assisted three young adults from Tanzania, survivors of violent attacks linked to ritualistic beliefs targeting people with albinism, in obtaining medical care and prosthetics in the United States. The effort was led by CBP’s New York Field Office under Director of Field Operations Frank Russo.
The individuals, who were born with albinism, were victims of mutilation due to superstitions about their body parts. CBP facilitated their return to the U.S., where they received urgent medical attention and prosthetic limbs.
This initiative is part of CBP’s ongoing partnership with the Global Medical Relief Fund (GMRF), a nonprofit organization that has helped children from over 64 countries receive medical treatment in the United States since its founding by Elissa Montanti. Since 2010, GMRF and CBP have worked together to enable entry for young victims of war, disasters, and severe health conditions. Although these three Tanzanian adults are no longer eligible for pediatric care, Med East, a private company, provided their new prosthetics at no cost.
Director Russo visited the group during their stay at GMRF’s Dare to Dream House in Staten Island. He said, “U.S. Customs and Border Protection is responsible for protecting the country, and while our job is incredibly challenging, efforts like these are immensely rewarding and demonstrate the humanitarian side of what we do.”
CBP will continue its support for GMRF on August 17 by welcoming a flight from Dubai carrying more individuals needing medical care and prosthetics support. Further details about this event will be released soon.
The Dare to Dream House serves as a residence for children receiving medical treatment in the U.S., often working with hospitals such as Shriners Children’s in Philadelphia and international embassies to provide care.
CBP describes itself as America’s frontline law enforcement organization with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to protecting national security while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
For more information about the Global Medical Relief Fund, visit https://www.gmrfchildren.org/.
