Evaluating the need for mandatory premarital albinism screening in Africa: Insights from forensic and public health analysis

This paper evaluates the prevalence of Oculocutaneous Albinism (OCA) in Africa and examines the necessity of implementing mandatory premarital genetic screening for prospective brides. The study outlines the anatomy of OCA, as classified by the World Health Organization (WHO), and highlights the medical and social challenges faced by individuals with albinism on the continent. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of genetic screening programs in identifying and managing hereditary disorders, including albinism. The increasing prevalence of congenital disorders often associated with tribal intermarriage and consanguineous marriage has contributed to a high incidence of OCA in Africa. Consequently, the primary objective of this paper is to address the social and medical challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, including discrimination, abuse, and stigmatization. The study also explores potential challenges and mitigation strategies that may arise during the implementation of a mandatory premarital genetic screening program in Africa. A desk-top research approach employing qualitative methods was used, relying on empirical evidence from peer-reviewed sources. The rising number of individuals with genetic disorders has placed a significant burden on African public health systems and has contributed to harmful misconceptions, sometimes resulting in discrimination, abuse, and even murder. These challenges have raised concerns among public health experts, forensic scientists, and security authorities, prompting the recommendation of mandatory premarital genetic screening and counseling as a preventative and mitigation measure.