Albinism gets day of awareness

845 Refilwe Modiselle is the first Albino model in South Africa. She was photographed for The Star at Melvilee near Johannesburg. 151014 Picture: Boxer Ngwenya

845 Refilwe Modiselle is the first Albino model in South Africa. She was photographed for The Star at Melvilee near Johannesburg. 151014 Picture: Boxer Ngwenya

Published Jun 12, 2015

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Cape Town - For the first time this year, June 13 will be marked as International Albinism Awareness Day.

The day was proclaimed by the United Nations in November 2014 after a campaign by Under The Same Sun and with the co-operation with various UN bodies.

Nomasonto Mazibuko of the Albinism Society of South Africa says the day is necessary to try to end discrimination, stigma and attacks against people with albinism.

According to a press release, the UN resolution declaring the day expresses concern at the attacks against persons with albinism, including women and children. It also calls for enhanced protection and promotion of all human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights, as a matter of priority of the international community.

 

The press release says that albinism is a congenital disorder characterised by the partial or complete absence of the pigment melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes. Lack or absence of melanin in the skin makes persons with albinism more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancers. Albinism is also associated with visual problems.

 

The Albinism Society of South Africa aims to enhance the self-esteem of people with albinism by providing education. They also assist families, associates and professionals to understand that albinism is a manageable condition.

* Go to http://www.albinism.org.za/ for more information.

IOL, adapted from a press release

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