Archive
Health & Sun Protection
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.
Health & Sun ProtectionAllAfrica — AlbinismOn the Cape Flats, violence shapes everyday health
A report from South Africa's Cape Flats examines how chronic community violence functions as a public health crisis, affecting residents' daily lives.
Health & Sun ProtectionPubMed — Albinism ResearchFish genetics offers new clues about albinism
Researchers used RNA sequencing on a cichlid fish to identify genes that control pigmentation — findings that may inform the broader science of albinism.
Health & Sun ProtectionAllAfrica — AlbinismTanzania invests 1.73 trillion shillings in health infrastructure
The number of health facilities in Tanzania has grown by 3,530 over five years. The expansion raises questions about equitable access for people with albinism.
Health & Sun ProtectionJournal of Investigative DermatologyGene discovery sheds light on skin immune cells
Researchers have identified a transcription factor that shapes the identity of Langerhans cells, the immune sentinels living in skin. The finding may have implications for conditions involving pigmentation and skin immunity.
Health & Sun ProtectionOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismWHO adds sunscreen to essential medicines list
The World Health Organization has listed sunscreen as an essential medicine, a decision UN experts say will improve access for people with albinism worldwide.
Health & Sun ProtectionAllAfrica — AlbinismNew shingles vaccine reaches South Africa, but cost is a barrier
Shingrix, a more effective shingles vaccine, is entering South Africa's private pharmacies — but public sector access remains unlikely in the near term.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismIARC research targets skin cancer risk in albinism
The International Agency for Research on Cancer is working to reduce skin cancer rates among people with albinism through dedicated research and global collaboration.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismResearchers measure functional vision in albinism mouse model
A study published in Nature quantifies how oculocutaneous albinism type 1 affects visual function, using a mouse model to track measurable sight differences.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismA case report reframes mild OCA1B in dermatology
A new case report in Cureus examines oculocutaneous albinism type 1B, where skin findings are subtle enough to delay or complicate diagnosis.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismKenya offers free cancer screening to people with albinism
A skin cancer screening initiative in Kenya is giving people with albinism access to free dermatological checks, addressing one of the community's most pressing health needs.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismAlbinism treatment market projected to reach $439 million
A new market report projects the global albinism drug market will reach USD 439 million by 2035, signalling growing pharmaceutical interest in the condition.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismNew research maps how OCA2 loss disrupts pigment production
A study published on ScienceDirect identifies a cellular mechanism linking OCA2 gene deficiency to reduced melanin, with implications for albinism research.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismCuba's Holguín builds local support for people with albinism
A provincial programme in Holguín is combining medical care, legal protection, and community education to support people with albinism across Cuba.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismWhat The Hindu's albinism explainer gets right
The Hindu published a detailed primer on albinism, covering genetics, vision, skin risk, and the social challenges faced by people with the condition.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismWHO adds sunscreen for albinism to essential medicines list
The World Health Organization has added high-SPF sunscreen to its Essential Medicines List, recognising UV protection as a medical necessity for people with albinism.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismCataract surgery offers new option for oculocutaneous albinism
A case study published in Via Medica Journals examines standard lens implant surgery as a practical alternative for people with oculocutaneous albinism.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismCRISPR gene editing accidentally triggers albinism in sugarcane
Researchers found that CRISPR/Cas9 editing caused unintended albinism in sugarcane plants by disrupting a pigmentation gene. The finding highlights a precision problem with a widely used genetic tool.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismUJ brings free eye care to people with albinism
The University of Johannesburg ran a clinical outreach providing eye examinations and corrective lenses to people with albinism in South Africa.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismPeople with albinism call for united front on skin cancer
Advocates in Nigeria are urging coordinated action between health bodies and the albinism community to address elevated skin cancer risk. The call centres on access, early detection, and sun protection.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismGene-edited albino cane toads illuminate natural selection
Researchers created albino cane toads using gene editing to study how pigmentation loss affects survival in the wild. The findings offer new clues about how natural selection operates.