What Is Albinism? Most of us have the time to browse the internet,surf from site to site but few ever search or look up social problems or situations unless it concerns them directly. So for those of you that do not know about Albinism,well- sit back,relax( but not too much) and enjoy the "show".
Albinism a.k.a Achromatosis is a Congenital a.k.a Birth Defect that exists at or before birth and which is characterized by either complete or partial absence of pigment in the skin,hair and eyes. This usually occurs due to the absence of Tyrosinase , an enzyme responsible for controlling the production of Melanin.
Albinism,results from inheritance of Recessive Gene Alleles -www.yourgenome.org - feel free to visit the website for a deeper understanding into what Recessive Gene Allele is all about.Usually,Genetic Testing is used to determine a carrier of the gene. Albinism is known to affect all living things including plants and fruits;
There are two types of Albinism in Humans i.e Ocular which affects the eyes only & Oculocutaneous which affects eyes,skin and hair. Albinism affects people of all ethnic background but it is said to be more common in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Our dear brothers and sisters with Albinism,tend to experience some physical defects that come with the condition, for instance;
Photophobia
This is the abnormal tolerance to visual perception of light in that one experiences pain in the eyes due to long exposure to light.
Amblyopia
Also Known As Lazy Eye,this is a sight disorder that arises due to the brain and eyes not working well together.It usually results in decreased vision in one eye.
Nystagmus
This is a condition of involuntary eye movement which may lead to reduced or limited vision in the future.
Due to the above conditions,PWAs are required to protect their eyes behind sunglasses or optician prescribed eye wear.
The lack of pigment which protects against harmful ultraviolet rays is also a cause of discomfort for people with Albinism. This is so because the harmful rays make them susceptible to melanomas i.e skin cancers and severe sunburns. This is manageable by use of sunscreen and regular visits to the dermatologist for professional skin care.
Albinism has no cure.
PWAs are also faced with human rights violation issues for instance in countries like Tanzania and Burundi, witch doctors hunt and butcher them for body parts to be used in cooking potions. While in Zimbabwe some people believe that having sex with an albino woman will cure one of HIV and this has led to rape and subsequent infections.
Where there is darkness there is light. Despite all, steps are being taken worldwide to spread awareness on people living with albinism we have highlighted some below.
On the 18th of December 2015, a motion was accepted by the United Nations General Assembly proclaiming that as of June 13th 2015 would be known as the International Albinism awareness Day.
Back home here in Kenya, The Albinism Society of Kenya was founded in June 2006 to help PWAs build their self esteem and to stop vices like discrimination and stigmatization. The Society came up with the Mr & Miss Albinism pageant to promote their agenda.
"give children a chance to attend school, provide sunscreen lotion and skin cancer treatment, improve access to eye care services especially prescription glasses,open job placement opportunities including self employment, lobby for better policies and most importantly increase the self esteem of PWAs". NOMINATED MP for Special Interest groups and National Coordinator of Albinism Society of Kenya {ASK} Isaac Mwaura.
Global Youth Agenda {G.Y.A}also founded in Kenya is a charitable trust that strives to change the lives of Youth through Music, Art and Culture as well as raise awareness on issues pertaining human rights violations.
Founded by a well known Kenyan artist Herbert Nakitare a.k.a Nonini, Colour Kwa Face Foundation raises awareness on people living with Albinism. They began the colour kwa face campaign where they distribute sunscreen to children with albinism in schools.
Be part of something great by showing your support in kind or otherwise.
SERVICE TO MAN EQUALS SERVICE TO GOD!
