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.
Health & Sun ProtectionPubMed — Albinism ResearchGenes linked to albinism identified in Wels catfish
Researchers have identified candidate genes associated with albinism in Wels catfish, adding to the scientific understanding of pigmentation genetics across species.
Human RightsAllAfrica — AlbinismAIDS funding cuts expose gaps in African health law
Legal scholar Mnotho Ngcobo argues the US withdrawal of HIV funding has revealed deeper constitutional failures in how African states protect the right to health.
Human RightsAmerican Journal of Human GeneticsRare facial syndromes share genetic roots with normal variation
A study in the American Journal of Human Genetics found that rare genetic conditions affecting face shape act on the same biological axes as common variation in the general population.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismUN expert documents rights failures in Lesotho
The UN Independent Expert on Albinism visited Lesotho and found significant gaps in legal protection, healthcare access, and safety for people with albinism.
Human RightsUN General Assembly NewsHow the UN is using AI for human rights
From a child learning to read in Jamaica to faster TB screening in Ethiopia, the UN is documenting how artificial intelligence is being applied to human rights work.
Health & Sun ProtectionAllAfrica — AlbinismAfrican healthcare training overlooks family and community roles
Healthcare professionals across Africa often work in contexts shaped by collective care, but their training rarely reflects this. A new analysis calls for change.
Real StoriesReuters Health (Albinism via Google News)A pageant in Africa affirms dignity for people with albinism
An annual pageant is giving people with albinism a public platform to challenge stigma and assert their place in their communities. The event centres visibility over spectacle.
Africa FocusGoogle News — AlbinismLilongwe family buries man with albinism after killing
A man with albinism has been murdered in a village near Lilongwe, Malawi, deepening fears about the safety of people with albinism in the region.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismZambia's justice system fails people with albinism
A new OHCHR report maps the barriers blocking people with albinism in Zambia from accessing justice, and outlines what needs to change.
Africa FocusUNHCR AfricaUN resettles people with albinism fleeing Malawi threats
UNHCR has begun resettling refugees with albinism from Malawi after escalating threats to their safety. The moves follow years of documented attacks linked to ritual practices.
Africa FocusGoogle News — AlbinismTanzanian children lost limbs in attacks over albinism
ABC News reports on children in Tanzania who were attacked and lost limbs because of their albinism. The attacks are linked to demand for body parts in ritual practices.
Health & Sun ProtectionGoogle News — AlbinismWhole-genome sequencing maps genetic roots of albinism
A study in npj Genomic Medicine used whole-genome sequencing to identify diverse genetic causes behind albinism and infantile nystagmus, offering new detail on how these conditions present.
Health & Sun ProtectionPubMed — Albinism ResearchWhole-genome sequencing maps the genetics of albinism
A new study in npj Genomic Medicine used whole-genome sequencing to identify diverse genetic causes behind albinism and infantile nystagmus, offering clearer paths to diagnosis.
Africa FocusAllAfrica — AlbinismAU health summit in Accra faces test of commitment
African leaders gather in Accra to address sustainable health financing. Advocates say this summit must produce action, not declarations.
Africa FocusOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismUN review documents ongoing threats to Tanzanians with albinism
A 2021 submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review recorded persistent killings, trafficking, and exclusion facing people with albinism in Tanzania.
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.
Human RightsAmerican Journal of Human GeneticsResearchers map every possible AIRE protein variant
A new study has catalogued the effect of every amino acid change in the AIRE protein, offering a tool that could improve diagnosis of rare autoimmune conditions.
Myths & FactsPubMed — Albinism ResearchCan science replace myths about albinism?
A report from The Citizen asks whether genetic understanding can displace the superstitions that put people with albinism at risk across East Africa.
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.
Human RightsAllAfrica — AlbinismHow inequality shapes pandemic risk for vulnerable communities
Structural inequality doesn't just worsen health crises — it creates the conditions that allow them to spread. People with albinism face compounding barriers when systems fail.