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Articles on Albinism

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Mr Albinism Kenya Jairus Ongetta (L) and Miss Albinism Kenya Loise Lihanda pose at the Mr and Miss Albinism East Africa pageant. YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP via Getty Images

Albinism in Tanzania: what can be done to break the stigma

Because of their appearance, people with albinism in Tanzania are often socially excluded and frequently (and sometimes violently) discriminated against.
Professor Fabian V. Filipp lectures on the biology of malignant melanoma and pigmentation disease. The color of skin is due to the presence of a pigment called melanin, which can absorb cancer-causing sunlight. Photo by Systems Biology and Cancer Metabolism Laboratory, Fabian V. Filipp. Used with permission. CC BY-SA.

Success of immunotherapy stimulates future pigment cell and melanoma research

An international team of researchers is probing the links between skin diseases, including cancer, to speed the search for cures.
Children with albinism are often teased and bullied by their peers. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies/Flickr

Taunts and bullying drive children with albinism from Tanzanian schools

Children with albinism are teased and physically bullied by classmates who don’t understand their condition. They withdraw from learning – and many ultimately leave school early.
Selina, right, and her friend Mwanaidi play together in a Tanzanian classroom. Children with albinism are very vulnerable to attack, mutilation and murder. EPA/Johan Baevman

Tanzania is still failing to protect its children who live with albinism

Children living with albinism are very vulnerable to attack, kidnapping, mutilation and murder. In Tanzania, fear is keeping many children away from school and costing them an education.
Albinos in Africa have a double challenge. Not only do they face social stigma but there is also no health policy that ensure they get services for their condition. Reuters/Katrina Manson

Africa needs a health policy to help people with albinism

One in every 1000 people in Africa are born with albinism. Apart from facing social stigma, they also face health risks. Countries on the continent should have policies to aid this vulnerable group.

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