ALBINOS, BEING DIFFERENT
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Dates2018 - Ongoing
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Author
Albinism is a genetic condition that occurs in one out of every seventeen thousand people and results from the combination of two parents carrying the recessive gene. Although there are different types and degrees of albinism, in all cases it is characterized by the evident lack or reduction of melanic pigmentation of eyes, skin and hair; in addition to a severe decrease in vision, photophobia, myopia, hyperopia, strabismus and nystagmus, an involuntary and uncontrollable movement of the eyes.
Albinos should take care of sun exposure more than the rest of the population because they can suffer sun burns and are more prone to the appearance of skin cancer.
In addition to these physical challenges, people with albinism must also face psychological challenges of looking different.
Social attitudes towards albinism include lack of understanding, fear of the unknown, and prejudice based on appearances.
It is important to understand and accept oneself, as well as a society that does not discriminate and embraces Albinism.
In Argentina, a national law project is being discussed, which seeks to protect rights, guarantee access to public health services and avoid discrimination of those who suffer from this genetic disorder.
If this law is approved, Argentina could become the first country to protect albinos rights.
Albinism is not a disease. In Argentina there are about two thousand five hundred people suffering from this genetic condition.