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What in the World

What in the World

Are attitudes to albinism changing?


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1 August 2025

12 minutes

Available for over a year

Albinism is a rare genetic condition that reduces melanin; that’s the pigment that gives colour to your skin, eyes, and hair. The condition can make people more vulnerable to skin cancer and it can also cause problems with vision. There’s a history of discrimination and stigma.

Journalist and disability advocate Teejay Ameen talks about his experience of growing up in Nigeria with albinism and how it compares to the UK, where he lives now. Makuochi Okafor, BBC Africa Health reporter, explains what support exists in Nigeria for people with albinism and whether attitudes are changing.

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Presenter: Iqra Farooq

Producers: Stefania Okereke, Benita Barden, Chelsea Coates and Julia Ross-Roy

Editor: Verity Wilde