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.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismChildren with albinism in The Gambia face serious rights gaps
A joint submission to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child documents discrimination, exclusion, and protection failures facing children with albinism in The Gambia.
Health & Sun ProtectionJournal of Investigative DermatologySkin and skull development traced to two proteins
A Journal of Investigative Dermatology study identifies KCTD1 and KCTD15 as regulators of the neural crest cells that shape the face, skull, and scalp skin.
Health & Sun ProtectionJournal of Investigative DermatologyA new antibody approach targets hair loss inflammation
Researchers testing an antibody called hC2 found it reduced autoimmune activity linked to alopecia areata, without the side effects tied to current approved treatments.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismUN expert: Pakistan's persons with albinism remain invisible
A UN Independent Expert warns that people with albinism in Pakistan face systemic invisibility, limiting their access to healthcare, education, and legal protection.
Health & Sun ProtectionAllAfrica — AlbinismMerck Foundation trains oncology workers across 27 African countries
A partnership between the Merck Foundation and the Tata Memorial Centre has delivered specialised cancer training to health workers across 27 African nations, including Ghana.
Africa FocusAllAfrica — AlbinismA seven-day medical camp reaches Katavi Region
Hundreds of residents in Mpanda Municipality received free health screening and treatment during a week-long camp in Tanzania's Katavi Region.
Health & Sun ProtectionAllAfrica — AlbinismSouth African scientists decode a key cancer survival strategy
Researchers in South Africa have identified how the protein Mucin-1 shifts from protective sentinel to cancer enabler. The finding may open new directions in oncology research.
Human RightsUN General Assembly NewsUN warns hate speech begins the path to violence
Secretary-General António Guterres told the General Assembly that freedom of expression cannot justify hate speech, as online platforms accelerate real-world harm.
Human RightsUN General Assembly NewsAttacks on rights defenders reach record high
A new OHCHR report documents the highest recorded level of attacks against human rights defenders. People with albinism remain among the most exposed.
Health & Sun ProtectionPubMed — Albinism ResearchPigeon pigmentation genes linked to human melanoma
A new study finds that the same genes governing colour mutations in pigeons can drive melanoma in humans, offering a fresh line of melanoma research.
Health & Sun ProtectionJournal of Investigative DermatologySkin proteins shape how dermal tissue grows after birth
A study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology finds that two proteins, YAP and TAZ, help fibroblasts build the collagen matrix that gives skin its structure.
Health & Sun ProtectionAllAfrica — AlbinismDiscovery members live longer, but chronic illness grows
Discovery Health's latest report finds members are living longer, but managing multiple chronic conditions at once. The pattern holds implications for people with albinism.
Health & Sun ProtectionPubMed — Albinism ResearchCave fish share one genetic root for albinism
A study in Nature finds that unrelated cavefish populations across separate geographies lost pigment through the same mutation in a single gene.
Human RightsAmerican Journal of Human GeneticsAfrican genomics needs African-led AI governance
Researchers argue that AI in genomics risks deepening global inequities unless African datasets, leadership, and community trust are built from the ground up.
Health & Sun ProtectionAmerican Journal of Human GeneticsGenetic study links inner ear development to Ménière disease
A genome-wide analysis across five biobanks has identified three genes tied to inner ear development and retinoic acid signalling as significant factors in Ménière disease.
Health & Sun ProtectionJournal of Investigative DermatologyTwo skin treatments compared for UV-damaged skin
A study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology examines how 5-fluorouracil and photodynamic therapy differ in clearing precancerous mutations from sun-damaged skin.
Health & Sun ProtectionJournal of Investigative DermatologyMouse model points to Merkel cell carcinoma's origins
A new mouse model developed by researchers at the Journal of Investigative Dermatology traces a rare and aggressive skin cancer to hair follicle cells. The finding could reshape how scientists study and treat Merkel cell carcinoma.
Myths & FactsUNHCR AfricaThe deadly myths that still surround albinism
False beliefs about albinism continue to endanger lives across multiple countries. UNHCR Africa outlines what the evidence actually says.
Africa FocusUNHCR AfricaTwo NGOs mark Christmas with Nakivale refugees
At Nakivale settlement in Uganda, two NGOs organised a Christmas gathering for vulnerable residents and people with albinism. SOS Médias Burundi reported the event.
Africa FocusUNHCR AfricaUN backs albinism forum in Tanzania
UNHCR supported a national forum in Tanzania bringing together people with albinism, policymakers, and civil society to address protection gaps.