The 2025 theme focuses on the critical importance of preventing skin cancer in people with albinism by promoting awareness, regular screenings, and better access to sunscreen.
People with albinism face a much higher risk of developing skin cancer. Unfortunately, many lack the resources needed for protection, such as sunscreen, protective clothing, and access to skin cancer screenings and treatment. In Southern Africa, skin cancer is the leading cause of death among people with albinism, making sunscreen a vital medicine instead of a simple cosmetic.
Most government action plans addressing albinism have included steps to improve access to sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, and regular dermatological check-ups and treatments for skin cancer.
A number of countries have established programs that offer free or affordable sunscreen and protective clothing, as well as easier access to dermatologists, screenings, and treatment for skin cancer. Awareness campaigns also help educate people with albinism and their families about the importance of sun protection. Research has shown that where these programs are in place, the health and wellbeing of people with albinism have improved significantly.
What is albinism?
Albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited difference present at birth. In almost all types of albinism, both parents must carry the gene for it to be passed on, even if they do not have albinism themselves. The condition is found in both sexes regardless of ethnicity and in all countries of the world. Albinism results in a lack of pigmentation (melanin) in the hair, skin and eyes, causing vulnerability to the sun and bright light. As a result, almost all people with albinism are visually impaired and are prone to developing skin cancer. There is no cure for the absence of melanin that is central to albinism.
While numbers vary, it is estimated that in North America and Europe 1 in every 17,000 to 20,000 people have some form of albinism. The condition is much more prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, with estimates of 1 in 1,400 people being affected in Tanzania and prevalence as high as 1 in 1,000 reported for select populations in Zimbabwe and for other specific ethnic groups in Southern Africa.
Health challenges of people living with albinism
The lack of melanin means persons with albinism are highly vulnerable to developing skin cancer. In some countries, a majority of persons with albinism die from skin cancer between 30 and 40 years of age. Skin cancer is highly preventable when persons with albinism enjoy their right to health. This includes access to regular health checks, sunscreen, sunglasses and sun-protective clothing. In a significant number of countries, these life-saving means are unavailable or inaccessible to them. Consequently, in the realm of development measures, persons with albinism have been and are among those “left furthest behind.” Therefore, they ought to be targeted for human rights interventions in the manner envisioned by the Sustainable Development Goals.
Due to a lack of melanin in the skin and eyes, persons with albinism often have permanent visual impairment. They also face discrimination due to their skin colour; as such, they are often subject to multiple and intersecting discrimination on the grounds of both disability and colour.
