Every September, South Africa observes Albinism Awareness Month, a time dedicated to promoting understanding, fighting stigma, and protecting the rights of people with albinism.

This year, the awareness month highlights the theme of International Albinism Awareness Day 2025:
“Demanding Our Rights: Protect Our Skin, Preserve Our Lives.”
The focus is on ensuring equal access to preventive care (especially against skin cancer) and encouraging greater social inclusion.

What is Albinism?

Albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited condition present from birth. It affects people of all sexes, races, and nationalities. For a child to be born with albinism, both parents must carry the gene, even if they do not have albinism themselves.

The condition is caused by a lack of melanin, the pigment that gives colour to hair, skin, and eyes. As a result, people with albinism:

• Have very light skin and hair.

• Are highly sensitive to the sun and bright light.

• Often experience permanent visual impairments.

There is currently no cure for the absence of melanin.

Challenges People with Albinism Face

Unfortunately, people with albinism often face:

• Discrimination and stigma because of their skin colour.

• Double discrimination linked to both disability (visual impairment) and appearance.

• High risk of skin cancer due to the absence of melanin protection.

In some countries, many people with albinism die from skin cancer as early as 30 to 40 years old.

Preventing Skin Cancer in Albinism

Skin cancer is highly preventable if people with albinism are given access to proper healthcare and protection, including:

• Regular health check-ups

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Sun-protective clothing

These basic resources can dramatically improve quality of life and life expectancy.

How We Can All Help

This Albinism Awareness Month, South Africans are encouraged to:

• Treat people with albinism with respect and dignity.

• Support their inclusion in schools, workplaces, homes, and communities.

• Advocate for equal access to healthcare and protection.

By standing together, we can end stigma, improve lives, and ensure people with albinism are valued as equal members of society.

Sources: Government of South Africa, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, United Nations