A tiny miracle

When Sarrinah was born at just 26 weeks gestation her parents instantly knew there was something special about their baby girl.

Mohammed and Youna, hailing from Bangladesh, were surprised to discover that their daughter was born with very fair skin, hair, and eyes.

Following an eye check, it was confirmed that Sarrinah has albinism, a rare genetic condition characterised by the decreased production of melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes.

The Royal Hospital for Women are well equipped to care for babies with rare conditions, such as albinism.

Dr Srinivas Bolisetty, Senior Neonatologist at the hospital, said approximately 1 in 20,000 babies are born with albinism.

“Aside for vision problems, most people born with albinism are just as healthy as anyone else,” Dr Bolisetty said.

Baby Sarrinah required around-the-clock care from a team of expert nurses and clinicians.

After spending almost three months in the Royal Hospital for Women’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Sarrinah’s parents are delighted to finally have their daughter home.

Sarrinah's story is being told as part of The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation’s Heart for Her campaign. Read more about the campaign, and baby Sarrinah.