Archive
Stories, in full
A record of albinism news, research, and advocacy from trusted sources around the world. Reviewed by a human editor before publication.
Jane Kasweka
Livingstone, Zambia
Delphile Bandha
Livingstone, Zambia
Purity Kashweka
Livingstone, Zambia
Dorcus Siabasimbi
Livingstone, Zambia
Carolina Khaskelis from the United States is visiting Livingstone, Zambia, where she is spending time with members of the local albinism community, including Jane Kasweka, Delphile Bandha, Purity Kashweka, and Dorcus Siabasimbi. Alongside distributing essential sunscreen, Carolina is listening to their stories and learning more about their experiences, challenges, and hopes for the future.
Real StoriesAllAfrica — AlbinismZama Nkwanyana fills the gaps in KwaNyuswa
In a KwaZulu-Natal community where work keeps parents from clinic visits, 27-year-old Zama Nkwanyana steps in.
Real StoriesAllAfrica — AlbinismTooro prime minister defends withholding King Oyo's health details
Calvin Armstrong Rwomire said he chose not to inform senior kingdom officials that King Oyo had travelled abroad for medical treatment.
Africa FocusAllAfrica — AlbinismNon-communicable diseases account for 40% of Malawi deaths
A new WHO report finds that non-communicable diseases now cause roughly four in ten deaths in Malawi, raising urgent questions about prevention and care access.
Africa FocusOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismAttacks fall in Tanzania, but root causes persist
A UN expert reports fewer recorded attacks on people with albinism in Tanzania, while warning that superstition and poverty continue to drive risk in rural communities.
Health & Sun ProtectionAmerican Journal of Human GeneticsGenetic mutation rate study may improve disease prediction
A new analysis finds that tools used to predict whether gene variants cause disease may be systematically skewed by variation in mutation rates across the genome.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismCovid-19 deepened rights gaps for young people with albinism
The Independent Expert on Albinism submitted findings to the OHCHR showing the pandemic widened existing inequalities for young people with albinism worldwide.
Health & Sun ProtectionPubMed — Albinism ResearchTexas A&M maps bison genome, identifies albinism gene
Researchers at Texas A&M have built a detailed genetic map of the American bison and identified the gene responsible for albinism in the species.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismUN report details risks facing women and children with albinism
A UN Independent Expert report finds that women and children with albinism face compounded discrimination rooted in gender, age, and appearance. The findings call on states to act.
Health & Sun ProtectionPubMed — Albinism ResearchGene-edited albino toads reveal camouflage's role in hunting
A new study used albino toads to show that skin pigmentation is not decorative — it is a functional tool for catching prey.
Africa FocusGoogle News — AlbinismMalawi's APAM launches nationwide registration for albinism community
The Albinism Association of Malawi is building a national registry to improve access to support for people with albinism across the country.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismUN maps the global state of albinism in 2021
The Independent Expert on Albinism presented a worldwide report to the UN in 2021, documenting the rights, risks, and daily realities faced by people with albinism across regions.
Real StoriesGoogle News — AlbinismA family speaks before World Albinism Awareness Day
Ahead of World Albinism Awareness Day on 13 June, one family is sharing their experience to help others understand what life with albinism looks like.
Education & InclusionOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismUN report examines education rights for people with albinism
The UN Independent Expert on albinism has submitted a formal report on education access. It addresses the barriers children and adults with albinism face in schools worldwide.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismWhat albinism skin actually needs, and why myths persist
NTV Kenya's The Glam examines the dermatological realities of albinism and the misconceptions that continue to surround skin and pigmentation.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismA new UN voice takes up the albinism mandate
Ms. Muluka Anne Miti-Drummond has issued her first statement as UN Independent Expert on Albinism, signalling the priorities she will bring to the role.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismStandard lens implant offers cataract option for oculocutaneous albinism
A case study published in Medical Research Journal suggests standard intraocular lenses may work where specialised devices are unavailable. The finding carries practical weight for patients in low-resource settings.
Africa FocusUNHCR AfricaUNHCR identifies albinism as protection need in Tanzania camp
A 2015 UNHCR document from Nyarugusu refugee camp listed people with albinism among those requiring specific protection. The record surfaces an early formal acknowledgement of targeted risk.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismTen years of International Albinism Awareness Day
The UN marks a decade since the first International Albinism Awareness Day, observed each year on 13 June to spotlight the rights of people with albinism worldwide.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismUN expert reports on albinism conditions in Zambia
The OHCHR Independent Expert on Albinism has submitted a formal report on the situation facing people with albinism in Zambia to a UN treaty body.
Health & Sun ProtectionPubMed — Albinism ResearchGenes linked to albinism identified in Wels catfish
Researchers have identified candidate genes associated with albinism in Wels catfish, adding to the scientific understanding of pigmentation genetics across species.