Baku, June 13, AZERTACInternational Albinism Awareness Day is observed around the world on June 13 every year. The holiday is organized by the United Nations to battle the discrimination against those diagnosed with albinism and to create a society that is aware. Every year, the United Nations picks a unique theme to highlight the achievements of people with albinism around the world, to show that albinism cannot prevent a person from living their best life, and to encourage others to be accommodating of the needs of those with albinism. International Albinism Awareness Day also focuses on other health issues that are brought about by albinism.Albinism is a rare, genetically inherited condition. Albinism is extremely rare, meaning both parents must carry the gene for the child to inherit the condition. The condition is found in both sexes regardless of ethnicity. Albinism results in a lack of pigmentation in the person affected by it — this means they have uncharacteristically light hair, skin, and eyes. This increases the risks associated with exposure to the sun and bright light. As a result, almost all people with albinism are visually impaired and at an increased risk of developing skin cancer. There is currently no cure for this condition.In North America and Europe, one in every 20,000 people has some form of albinism, and one in 1,400 people in Sub-Saharan Africa. In some countries, a majority of individuals with albinism succumb to skin cancer between the ages of 30 and 40. Skin cancer can be easily preventable among those with albinism with regular health checks, sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing. However, in many low-income group countries, these facilities may not be available to them.Due to a lack of melanin in the skin and eyes, persons with albinism often have a permanent visual impairment and require corrective eyewear from a very early age. Persons with albinism also endure discrimination due to their skin color and face discrimination on the grounds of both disability and color. Celebrations, such as International Albinism Awareness Day, help us find ways to make society inclusive for people with albinism.