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 RightsAllAfrica — AlbinismA mother died waiting. The bill came first.
A Zimbabwean woman with albinism died at a South African hospital after staff demanded upfront payment before emergency treatment. Her case has renewed calls to examine migrant healthcare access.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismUN report maps justice gaps for people with albinism
The Independent Expert on albinism found that people with albinism face compounding barriers at every stage of the justice system. The full report is available via OHCHR.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismWhat the UN's albinism mandate covers worldwide
The OHCHR Independent Expert on Albinism monitors rights violations, documents attacks, and advocates for people with albinism across every region. Their mandate spans law, health, and social inclusion.
Africa FocusOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismUN expert makes first official visit to Tanzania
The UN Independent Expert on Albinism is travelling to Tanzania to assess conditions facing people with albinism. It marks the first such official visit to the country.
Health & Sun ProtectionJournal of Investigative DermatologyDermoscopy remains the standard for melanoma detection
A review of 114 studies finds skin cancer imaging tools are improving, but cost and access still limit their reach in under-resourced settings.
Health & Sun ProtectionJournal of Investigative DermatologyA protein link between UV exposure and skin ageing
Researchers have identified Fibulin-5 as a target of the enzyme Granzyme B, offering a new explanation for how UV exposure breaks down skin's elastic structure.
Africa FocusOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismUN expert condemns attacks on people with albinism in Tanzania
The UN Independent Expert on Albinism has called attacks in Tanzania "abhorrent", urging authorities to prosecute those responsible and protect at-risk communities.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismTen years of the UN albinism mandate reviewed
Independent Expert Muluka Miti-Drummond's tenth anniversary report assesses a decade of progress and persistent gaps in the human rights of people with albinism globally.
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.