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 AlbinismMalawi albinism groups submit joint UN human rights report
The Africa Albinism Network and APAM have filed a joint submission to a UN treaty body, documenting conditions facing people with albinism in Malawi.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismSkin changes in albinism that need a doctor
People with albinism face a higher risk of skin damage from UV exposure. Knowing which changes to watch for can make a significant difference.
Real StoriesGoogle News — AlbinismA mother focuses on what her son can do
A New Zealand mother raising a son with a rare form of albinism says she centres her hopes on possibility, not limitation.
Human RightsGoogle News — AlbinismAlbinism activist moves from radio to council
A South African activist known for speaking up about albinism has stepped off the airwaves and into local government. The shift marks a new chapter in community representation.
Health & Sun ProtectionAllAfrica — AlbinismHow hunger becomes a health crisis for South Africans
Food insecurity in South Africa harms health long before anyone reaches a hospital. Experts say the damage begins quietly, at the table.
Health & Sun ProtectionAmerican Journal of Human GeneticsResearch links hearing loss genes to specific ear cells
A new genetic study identifies distinct cochlear cell types involved in age-related hearing loss, offering clues to why the condition develops differently in different people.
Africa FocusGoogle News — AlbinismPeople with albinism in Malawi face fear and discrimination
A Human Rights Watch report documents the daily discrimination and physical danger faced by people with albinism in Malawi. The findings point to persistent failures in protection and justice.
Africa FocusOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismUN expert reviews albinism protections in Tanzania
The UN Independent Expert on Albinism has turned attention to Tanzania, where people with albinism continue to face ritual attacks and barriers to basic rights.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismUN committee opens formal study on albinism rights
The UN Human Rights Committee has begun a dedicated study on the rights of people with albinism, marking a formal step in international oversight.
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.