Where is albinism most common in the world?

Epidemiology

• OCA1: Prevalence is 1 in 40,000 worldwide but one of the most common forms in America and China (70\% of cases)
• OCA2: The most common worldwide (1:39,000).
• OCA3: Prevalence is 1: 8500 of African individuals primarily in southern Africa.
• OCA4: Prevalence is 1:100,000 but accounts for 24\% of Japanese OCA.

How many albinos are there in the world?

Albinism, a genetic disorder characterized by lack of melanin pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes, is listed as a rare disease by the National Institutes of Health—meaning it affects fewer than 200,000 Americans. Around the world, between one in 17,000 and one in 20,000 people are albinos.

Where do albinos originate?

The mutation in OCA2, which is responsible for most albinism cases in Africa, is probably the oldest mutation causing albinism and, putatively, originated during mankind’s development in Africa.

What is it like to be albino?

Hunted in East Africa for their body parts and portrayed as scoundrels by Hollywood, people with albinism are often deeply misunderstood around the world. A rare genetic disorder, albinism is the absence of pigment in the skin, hair and iris of the eyes.

Is albinism considered inferior in China?

Chen Guang, the 35-year-old director of the Chinese Organization for Albinism (COA), doesn’t mince words: “Most people like us are considered inferior in China. Even if we meet our true love, we may sit tight and do nothing, because we are afraid of being refused.”

What were albinos used for in the past?

However, in some tribes the albinos were made the sacrifices of offerings to the gods or for such uses as potions which is what they are still hunted for today in the 21st century.

Why are there so many albinos in Tanzania?

It is not surprising to see a good number of albinos. However, you should look at the ratio and not the total number. By ratio, Tanzania has the highest ratio of around 1 in 1,000 to 1,400. Albinism is lack of pigmentation in the eyes, skin and/or hair. It is caused by recessive alleles from both parents of an individual.