Albinism, though quite rare worldwide (affecting around one in 20,000 people), is much more common in sub-Saharan Africa. Unfortunately, people with albinism often face persecution because the condition is misunderstood as a contagious illness, a punishment for the wrong doing of the parents, or indeed that albinos are imbued with some kind of supernatural or magical properties. This stigma has a profound impact on the ability of albinos to integrate into society and feel safe in their own villages, towns and cities.

Additionally, those with albinism require greater access to sun protection, which is not always easy to find and afford.