People have a tendency to question, stare and often treat differently those who do not look, act or even smell like them. It is a form of discrimination that often has humiliating or violent consequences for the “different person”.
But is that person different or does it show our bias and lack of understanding and tolerance of others. During the month of September the City of Johannesburg will be creating awareness about albinism.
Albinism is an inherited disease characterized by a substantially lower rate of melanin production. Melanin is the pigment responsible for the color of the skin, hair, and eyes. People with albinism often have lighter colored skin and hair than the other members of their family or ethnic group. Melanin normally protects the skin from UV (ultraviolet) damage, so people with albinism are more sensitive to sun exposure. Albinism is also associated with vision problems due to the abnormal development of the retina and nerve connections between the eye and the brain that cause vision problems.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/245861.php
Most types of albinism are inherited in an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. This means that a trait, disorder or disease can be passed down through families. Two copies of an abnormal gene must be present in order for the disease or trait to develop.
Unfortunately the parent who carries the gene often does not show symptoms. If both parents carry the gene but have no symptoms, there is a 1 in 4 chance that their offspring will have albinism.
There is a 1 in 2 chance that the offspring will become a carrier. They will have the gene but not have any symptoms. An estimated 1 in 70 people carry the genes associated with albinism but are not affected by the mutations.
There is also what is called X-linked recessive conditions which mainly affect males. Because females carry two X chromosomes, if one gene damaged, the other can often make up the shortfall. Females can still carry and pass on the gene.
Men, however, have one X and one Y chromosome. This means that any albino mutations in their singular X chromosome will generate the condition.
If the mother has an X-linked mutation, each daughter will have a 1 in 2 chance of becoming a carrier and each son will have a 1 in 2 chance of developing albinism.
https://www.healthline.com/health/albinism
All this does not mean that albinism makes affected persons abnormal and should not be part of society. They breathe, love, hurt, smile and enjoy life like everybody else. Sadly though some people face significant social issues like bullying, alienation, mockery and worse mutilation for their body parts for witchcraft or rape to cure AIDS which is an absolute myth.
So from a young age people with albinism may have low self esteem, drop out of school, have difficulty interacting socially, finding employment and even living in fear. We must as fellow human beings be considerate and support all attempts or initiatives to accommodate people with albinism especially young children.
They also have the same rights as everyone else in society and must be protected against all forms of abuse. A child with albinism can flourish and achieve the same education and employment as a person without the condition.
Families are encouraged to learn more about albinism and have discussions so that there is greater awareness and acceptance of albinism.
ENDS
Issued by the City of Joburg
For enquiries, kindly send to Virgil James at Virgilj@joburg.org.za
