Albinism part 1 - by Udoka Gift

As an albino I have taken it upon myself to educate the public on thia topic as it is well known to be misinterpreted, intact it is sensitive and lots of misconceptions are widely spread. First what is albinism it's a common question and yet unanswered to several people. Albiniam a rare, inherited genetic condition in which the body produces little to no melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of your skin, hair, and eyes. It also plays a vital role in the normal development of the retina and optic nerves I'd love you to understand that anyone can have albinism as it is not particular to a race or ethnicity but it is common in places like <a class="tc-blue" href="https://1.Tanzania" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1.Tanzania </a>About 1 in 1,400 people <a class="tc-blue" href="https://2.Zimbabwe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2.Zimbabwe </a>About 1 in 2,000–4,000 people 3..NamibiaAbout 1 in 2,000–3,000 people (some groups even higher) <a class="tc-blue" href="https://4.South" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">4.South </a> AfricaAbout 1 in 3,000–4,000 people <a class="tc-blue" href="https://5.Zambia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">5.Zambia </a>About 1 in 4,000 people <a class="tc-blue" href="https://6.Botswana" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6.Botswana </a>About 1 in 4,000–5,000 people <a class="tc-blue" href="https://7.Malawi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">7.Malawi </a>About 1 in 5,000–7,000 people <a class="tc-blue" href="https://8.Nigeria" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">8.Nigeria </a>Estimated around 1 in 15,000–20,000 people (varies by region) <a class="tc-blue" href="https://9.United" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">9.United </a> StatesAbout 1 in 18,000–20,000 people <a class="tc-blue" href="https://10.Europe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10.Europe </a> (average)About 1 in 17,000–20,000 peopleWhy can two parents without albinism have a child with albinism?Because they may both be carriers. Carriers usually have normal skin, hair, and eye color because they still have one working copy of the gene. If a child inherits the altered copy from both parents, they have no working copy for that gene and develop albinism.This pattern is called autosomal recessive inheritance, and it is how most types of albinism are inherited. There is also a rarer type called ocular albinism, which is usually inherited in an X-linked pattern and mainly affects males. Furthermore there are several myths I'd love to address Myth: Albinism is contagious.Fact: It is a genetic condition. You cannot catch it by touching, living with, or being near someone with albinism.Myth: People with albinism are not fully human or are supernatural.Fact: They are ordinary human beings born with a genetic condition that affects melanin production.Myth: Albinism is a curse or punishment from God.Fact: Albinism is inherited through genes. It is not caused by anything a person or their parents did.Myth: Only Black Africans can have albinism.Fact: Albinism occurs in every ethnic group and every country. It is simply more common in some populations.Myth: People with albinism have red eyes.Fact: Their eyes are usually blue, gray, hazel, or light brown. In certain lighting, the eyes may appear reddish because light reflects from blood vessels inside the eye.Myth: Everyone with albinism is completely blind.Fact: Most people with albinism have reduced vision, but many can read, attend school, work, and live independently with glasses, magnifiers, or other visual aids.Myth: People with albinism cannot have children.Fact: Most can have children just like anyone else.Myth: Two parents with normal skin cannot have a child with albinism.Fact: They can if both parents carry the altered gene.Myth: People with albinism cannot go outside.Fact: They can, but they need good sun protection because their skin has little or no melanin, which increases the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Mind you there are even more harmful and dangerous myths which areBody parts of people with albinism bring wealth or good luck.Having sex with a person with albinism can cure diseases.People with albinism are ghosts or cannot die naturally.These beliefs are false and have no scientific basis. They have caused serious human rights abuses against people with albinism.The realityPeople with albinism:Have the same intelligence and abilities as anyone else.Can study, work, marry, and have families.May need eye care and sun protection throughout their lives.Deserve the same respect, rights, and opportunities as everyone else. As I said earlier this topic is sensitive due to misinterpretations surrounding it therefore there'd be a part 2 Thanks again for reading

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