We are dedicating this edition to people living with Albinism in the subregion, just as International Albinism Day is celebrated every June 13th of every year.

The theme builds on last year’s theme of ensuring the inclusion of the voices of persons with albinism in all sectors of life. It emphasizes the importance of the inclusion of a diversity of groups from both within and outside the albinism community.

This particular they were chosen because including the voices of persons with albinism is essential to ensure equality and to celebrate how groups of persons with albinism and individuals increase the visibility of persons with albinism in all domains of life.

Albinism is a rare genetic condition caused by mutations of certain genes that affect the amount of melanin your body produces. Melanin controls pigmentation, which is the colour of your skin, eyes and hair. People with albinism have extremely pale skin, eyes and hair. They are at an increased risk of vision, skin and social issues.

In the subregion and the region at large, persons with Albinism have always been a target of discrimination, stigmatization, social exclusion, denial of employment and education, verbal abuse or even ritual killings.

Dr. Folakemi Cole-Adeife, Consultant Dermatologist and Venereologist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos-Nigeria, is our guest on this edition.