International Albinism Day

International Albinism Awareness Day is observed every year on June 13 to bring about awareness among the people for the prevention of attacks and discrimination against persons with Albinism and also about the rights of people with Albinism.

Details –

The theme for International Albinism Awareness Day this year is ‘United in making our voice heard‘. The General Assembly of United Nations adopted a resolution on 18th of December in 2014, proclaiming that with effect from 2015, 13th of June will be observed as International Albinism Awareness Day.

What is ‘Albinism’?

• Albinism is a non-contagious, rare and genetically inherited health condition present at birth, which results in the lack of melanin in the skin eyes and hair.
• It is causing vulnerability to the sun and bright light. Due to this, people with albinism are prone to many issues, both social and biological. Almost all people with albinism are visually impaired and are prone to developing skin cancer.
• One in 17,000 people in the world is born with Albinism. As per reports, about one lakh to two lakh people in India have this condition. Albinism in India is often confused with another condition, Leucoderma, which is characterised by patchy skin colour changes.
• Albinism is not infectious and Albinos are equally normal.