Albinism is a rare inherited disorder that signals a lack of melanin pigment and leaves those suffering with it with very pale skin, hair and eyes. In most of the world, albinism is extremely rare, with only one person in 20,000 suffering from some form of albinism. However albinism is much more prevalent in Africa, where albinism is thought to affect one person in 5,000 and some studies put the number of Africans living with albinism at around 200,000.The Independent: Killing spree leaves albinos living... (December 8, 2008)

Across Africa, albinos are being murdered by people who believe that their body parts hold special magical powers to make people rich. These rumors, which were thought to have been started by African witchdoctors, have led to the dismemberment deaths of at least 35 African albinos in 2008 alone. Some officials say that 35 may be a gross underestimate due to the stigma attached to albinism in Africa that suggests the number of albino disappearances and murders may be underreported.The Independent: Killing spree leaves albinos living... (December 8, 2008)

African albinos are often discriminated against and forced to live in special communities or islands. Charities and groups like the Tanzanian Albino Society, which is funded by the U.K. organization Action on Disability and Development, are working to educate those in Africa about albinism, as well as teach those suffering from albinism what rights and protections are available to them.The Independent: Killing spree leaves albinos living... (December 8, 2008)