The Impact of Stigma on People with Albinism in Africa: A Narrative Review

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) affects about 1 in 5,000 people in Africa and is associated with significant stigma driven by cultural beliefs and myths. This narrative review synthesizes findings from 60 sources, highlighting the impact of stigma on health, education, psychosocial well-being, and human rights. Stigma affects maternal-infant bonding, schooling, social interactions, and employment, and can lead to violence against individuals with albinism. Healthcare workers' biases may hinder service delivery. To mitigate these issues, the review suggests implementing awareness programs, increasing specialized healthcare services, and providing guidelines for managing albinism to reduce stigma and its harmful effects.