Each year on June 13th, the international community commemorates International Albinism Awareness Day, a day focused on enhancing understanding, safeguarding, and supporting individuals living with albinism.
Albinism is a rare, non-contagious genetic condition that can affect individuals of any ethnicity across the globe.
This condition arises from a lack of melanin—the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. The theme for 2025, “Demanding our rights: Protect our skin, Preserve our lives,” highlights the health and social difficulties encountered by those with albinism, particularly relating to sun exposure, vision issues, and societal discrimination.
Additionally, a medical professional states that albinism is a genetic metabolic disorder. It happens when a crucial enzyme, tyrosinase, which is essential for melanin production, is absent.
The deficiency of melanin leaves the skin vulnerable to harmful UV rays, resulting in an increased likelihood of sunburn and skin cancer.
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A woman named Miss Darlington Tekena, who has albinism, shared the challenges she faces daily. In contrast, Onyekachi Victor, another woman with albinism, expressed a more positive perspective, stating she embraces her uniqueness and feels special—yet still takes necessary precautions to protect her skin.
As the world observes this significant day, the message is evident—beyond raising awareness, there is an urgent need for health safeguards, equal rights, and social integration for individuals with albinism.
