International Albinism Awareness Day 2023 – Check History, Facts & Timeline

808

4 min read

Every year June 13th is celebrated as International Albinism Awareness Day. It is a day observed by the United Nations to spread awareness about albinism disease and combat discrimination faced by an Albinistic person.

The theme for International Albinism Awareness Day 2023 is “Inclusion is Strength”. It is believed to be an extension of last year’s theme, which was “United in Making Our Voice Heard”. It aims to include all types of groups within or outside the albinism community.

Read on to learn in-depth about the importance, history, and timeline of International Albinism Awareness Day.

PayBima Health Insurance Advisor & Consultant

Importance of International Albinism Awareness Day

To understand the importance of Albinism Day, it is important that you first learn what Albinism is. It is a rare genetic disorder in which there is a mutation of genes producing melanin pigment in the body that is responsible for the color of skin, hair, and eyes.

One in every 20,000 people living in Europe and North America is suffering from Albinism and later succumbing to skin cancer. Several people are living miserable lives due to vision impairment and face severe discrimination due to skin tone caused due to lack of melanin in Albinism disorder. Therefore, there was an ardent need to welcome such people into society with open hearts, and for this, the UN introduced International Albinism Awareness Day.

History of International Albinism Awareness Day

The United Nations declared June 13th, as International Albinism Awareness Day during a general assembly held on December 18th, 2014. The sole purpose to mark this day was to help the albinism communities worldwide to end the unfair attitude towards those suffering from this disorder.

Later NOAH or National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation joined in to help the Albinism community by encouraging people to accept them in society. Every year, International Awareness Day is observed with a unique theme that aims to celebrate the adoption of the resolution to treat Albinistic people with fair treatment in society.

Visual Stories by PayBima

5 Facts About Albinism

A little extra knowledge is always helpful, especially, when it comes to disorders like Albinism. So, here are 5 facts about Albinism you must know:

1. Other Common Name:

Albinism is also known as Hypo-Pigmentation.

2. Rare Disorder:

Unlike, other genetic disorders, Albinism is quite rare, and only one in 20,000 people suffer from it. 

3. Easy to Diagnose:

It is quite easy to diagnose Albinism by seeing the color of the skin, hair, and eyes of a person

4. Severe and Fatal:

Although a rare disorder, Albinism is severe and fatal in many cases, and may even lead to skin cancer.

5. Non-Communicable:

Since Albinism is a genetic disorder, do not be scared to be with an Albinistic person, because it is a non-communicable disease. 

Timeline of International Albinism Awareness Day

Have a look at the timelines of Albinism Day to understand more about its history:

Year

Occasion

Reason

1908

Discovery

Discovery of Albinism by British physician Sir Archibald Edward Garrod

1949

Salif Keita

Very famous singer with Albinism

Year 1969

Connie Chiu

First fashion model with Albinism became popular

Year 2014

International Albinism Awareness Day

The 1st Albinism Awareness Day was observed by the United Nations

How to Celebrate Albinism Day

Since the aim of observing International Albinism Day is to end all the discrimination against those suffering from Albinism, it is celebrated in different ways to spread awareness about this disease. The best ways to celebrate this day are:

1. Buy a Health Insurance Plan:

The best way to mark Albinism Day is by buying a health insurance plan that offers financial coverage against this disorder for a loved one who has Albinism.

2. Attend Awareness Programs: 

Many people across the globe celebrate Albinism by attending awareness programs to learn more about this disease, its causes, symptoms, and treatments. 

3. Spread Awareness About Albinism: 

Whatever they learn by attending these awareness programs is then passed on to others to spread awareness about Albinism. This fulfills the main aim of this day.

4. Donate: 

Nothing can be better than donating money to charitable organizations that work for the welfare of Albinistic people in society. 

Popular Health Insurance Companies 2023

Conclusion

Albinism is one common cause of skin cancer, and throughout life people suffering from this disorder, also face discrimination from others in society. The observance of International Albinism Awareness Day has helped save thousands of lives by spreading awareness about this disease and by putting an end to discrimination towards those suffering from it. This day encourages society to treat Albinistic people as equals.

Related Articles

Found this post informational?

Browse PayBima Blogs to read interesting posts related to Health Insurance, Car Insurance, Bike Insurance, Term Life Insurance, and Investment section. You can visit PayBima to Buy Insurance Online.

Also, check out the PayBima’s Guide and Glossary section –

FAQs: International Albinism Awareness Day 2023

What is Albinism?

Albinism is a rare genetic disorder caused due to a defect in some genes that produce melanin in the body. Melanin is responsible for the pigmentation of skin and hair. Due to this defect, there is a disturbance in the disturbance of pigment production in the body.

What are the symptoms of Albinism?

A person suffering from Albinism may show symptoms like:

~ Pale skin, eyes, and hair
~ Vision problems
~ Nystagmus or Rapid eye movements
~ Patches on the skin
~ Strabismus or crossed eyes
~ Photophobia or Light sensitivity

Which day is celebrated as National Albinism Day?

Every year International Albinism Awareness Day is celebrated on June 13th. It is observed to spread awareness and discard any discrimination against people suffering from Albinism.

Is Albinism covered by health insurance?

Yes, there are health insurance plans that also cover treatment expenses for Albinism. Make sure to check whether or not a plan offers financial coverage for Albinism before purchasing a health insurance policy.

What is the theme of International Albinism Awareness Day 2023?

Every year International Albinism Awareness Day is celebrated with a specific theme. The theme for 2022 Albinism Day was “United in Making Our Voice Heard”. The theme for Albinism Day 2023 is “Inclusion in Strength”.

What is the color for Albinism awareness?

Yellow is the color for Albinism awareness. People in some countries celebrate Albinism Day by wearing yellow bands and tops.

Other Health Insurance Products

Jun 01, 2023
SHARE THIS ON
Author Bio
Author Image

PayBima Team
PayBima is an Indian insurance aggregator on a mission to make insurance simple for people. PayBima is the Digital arm of the already established and trusted Mahindra Insurance Brokers Ltd., a reputed name in the insurance broking industry with 17 years of experience. PayBima promises you the easy-to-access online platform to buy insurance policies, and also extend their unrelented assistance with all your policy related queries and services.

Related Blogs

Would love to hear from you

Share your candid feedback. Your email address won’t be published, we promise!

All fields are required

Find your suitable insurance plan

Speak to our advisor

Latest Posts

Mahindra Insurance Brokers Limited (A Mahindra Group Company) - Unit-202, A-Wing, 2nd Floor, Amiti Building, Agastya Corporate Park, Kamani Junction, LBS Marg, Kurla West, Mumbai - 400070. Tel: +91 22 66423800

Licenced by IRDAI License No. 261; License Validity : 17-05-2025; Category : Composite Broker; CIN : U65990MH1987PLCO42609 Member of Insurance Brokers Association of India (IBAI).

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation.

For a seamless experience, use the latest version of Chrome/Firefox/Internet Explorer.

Copyright © 2024 Mahindra Insurance Brokers. All Right Reserved.

Get A Call Back
Get A Call Back