Kinshasa, June 14th, 2026 (CPA). – Albinism is a hereditary condition transmitted by both parents, according to a physician interviewed on Saturday in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the sidelines of the World Albinism Awareness Day observed annually on June 13th. « Albinism is a condition inherited through the genetic contribution of both parents, even when one or both do not visibly present albinism. They may carry the responsible genes, » said Dr. Mboma, head of the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department at Makala General Referral Hospital. He explained that oculocutaneous albinism is characterized by varying degrees of hypopigmentation of the skin and hair, as well as numerous eye abnormalities and abnormal positioning of the optic nerves at the optic chiasm. The condition affects the skin, body hair, scalp hair and eyes.
« Albinism includes up to seven subtypes, including ocular albinism, which primarily affects the eyes and causes significant visual impairment, along with several syndromic forms associated with serious medical disorders. Detecting albinism through ultrasound examinations remains difficult in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, » he added. According to Dr. Mboma, albinism is a hereditary genetic condition that continues to be socially misunderstood in Africa. It occurs in all human populations but is more prevalent among people of African descent than among Caucasians. He explained that the condition results from the absence or extremely low production of melanin, the natural pigment responsible for the coloration of the skin, body hair, scalp hair and eyes, which is produced by melanocytes. Established by the United Nations, the International Albinism Awareness Day aims to promote the fundamental rights of persons with albinism and combat discrimination against them. This year’s theme is « Proud to Be Me: Celebrating All Skin Tones« or « Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating the Diversity of Skin Colors.«
Kinshasa: Albinism is a condition inherited from both parents
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