ALBINISM

DESCRIPTION OF ALBINISM

• Was discovered in 1908 by Sir Archibald Garrod/ 105 years known
• One person in 17,000 is affected by albinism
• Caused by tyrosinase, affects chromosome 11, and recessive trait

SYMPTOMS AND PROGNOSIS(MICHEAL HOSA-TESTIMONIAL)

• Absence of color in the hair, skin, or iris of the eye, lighter than normal skin and hair, patchy, missing skin color
• There is a lot of discrimination against people with albinism, and I sometimes lack the company of friends.
• Practitioners of witchcraft hunt and kill us to use our hair, body parts and organs in charms and potions.
• Most live a normal life span but one of the types of albinism causes lung issues
• People with albinism receive discrimination for how they look like and don't have great vision

TREATMENTS

• Reduce sunburn risk by avoiding the sun, using sunscreen, and covering up with clothing when exposed to sun
• Sunscreen should have a high SPF-Glasses are often prescribed to correct vision problems and eye position
• It's a genetic disorder and modern medicine does not have a cure for lack of melanin

ADDITIONAL WEBSITIES

• National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation-Volunteer organization for people with albinism.
• International Albinism Center- Gives information for specific types of albinism
• Under the Same Sun- A charity that helps with education and discrimination towards albinos in Tanzania.
• Asante-Mariamu- A charity that tries to lighten "death sentence" that being affected by albinism causes.