Albinism is a genetically inherited condition which is very rare and it’s quite common in Africa. You don’t have to be an Albino to have Albino child (ren), both parents, who birth Albinos must carry the gene for it to be passed on to the child. Albinism occurs in both male/female child and it’s not unique to any race or ethnics. There are several superstition/beliefs surrounding albinism some of which are killing people with albinism to use body parts for ritual or the presumption that albinism is a curse and it brings bad luck.
Black women who birth albino child are being accused of cheating and the child is stigmatized for the difference in their skin colour. Very few understand or are educated about the medical and genetic causes of this condition.
What to do when you have an Albino child?
Acceptance– First of,accept your bundle of joy, she/he was created with love.
Research– seek medical advice on how to take care of your child because they need special care. Due to the lack of melanin,people with albinism are more prone to the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation exposure and could cause skin cancer.
Society– In this part of Africa, Nigeria as a yardstick. There is evidence of social discrimination and stigmatization towards people albinism due to their appearances like chalky white skin, light brown or blue eyes and sandy coloured hair.
Educate– Educate family members and the community on how the child with albinism is no different from everyone of them. A lack of knowledge about albinism in the community leads to stigma. Be the change about the orientation people have about albinism.
We all need to recognise that every child is a child, albinos are no lesser than any other child.
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