World Down Syndrome Day
With Us Not For Us!
Every year on March 21, World Down Syndrome Day raises public awareness of Down syndrome. On the recommendation of the United Nations general assembly, the day has been observed since 2012. The date of WDSD, the 21st day of the 3rd month, was chosen to represent the peculiarity of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome.
Objectives Of World Down Syndrome Day
It's a day when we gather and implement strategies to raise public awareness about genetic illness. The purpose is to educate others on the significance of supporting our friends and family who have lived with Down syndrome directly or indirectly.
All About Down Syndrome
Down syndrome (also called Trisomy 21) is a genetic disorder in which a person carries an extra partial or complete copy of chromosome 21. Every cell in the human body consists of a nucleus, which stores genetic material in genes. Genes hold the information that controls all of our inherited traits and is organized along rod-like structures known as chromosomes. Chromosomes are "packages" of genes. They shape and function in a baby's body as it develops. Each cell's nucleus includes 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of which are acquired from each parent. Down syndrome is caused by a whole or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This excess genetic material changes the body’s development course and develops Down syndrome symptoms. Most people have 46 chromosomes in all of their cells, but those with Down syndrome have 47, which causes them to look and learn differently.
Prevalence Of Down Syndrome
One out of every 700 babies is born with Down syndrome. Worldwide, it is believed that 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1100 live births are affected by Down syndrome. Between 3,000 and 5,000 kids are born every year with this genetic anomaly. A child with Down syndrome can be born to any mother, while the chance of Down syndrome increases with the mother's age. A 35-year-old woman has a one-in-350 chance of having a kid with Down syndrome, and the chance increases to 1 in 100 by the age of 40.
People of various races and socioeconomic backgrounds are affected by Down syndrome. Down syndrome occurs naturally; there is no known cause. Although the cause of this sickness is unknown, it has always been a characteristic of human disease. It exists around the world and has diverse effects on the learning styles, physical characteristics, and health.
History Of World Down Syndrome Celebration
Leave No One Behind!
The UN General Assembly decided in 2005 that no one should be left behind in achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and that people with disabilities must also come forward to assist the UN in accomplishing its Agenda 2030. WHO, the United Nations' leading organization/department in terms of mental and physical health, has been active and has further diversified its activities to provide better and more unique health facilities to the people of the entire globe. On March 30, 2007, the convention was opened for signatures.
The convention had 82 signatories, the Optional Protocol had 44 signatories, and the convention had one ratification. On the first day of a UN Convention, this is the biggest number of signatories in history. It is the first comprehensive human rights pact of the twenty-first century and the first human rights convention open to signing by regional integration organizations. The convention went into effect on May 3, 2008. This helps in fulfilling the 2030 United Nations agenda for sustainable development in down syndrome.
Characteristics In Individuals With Down Syndrome
Individuals with Down syndrome have cognitive delays ranging from mild to severe, decreased muscle tone, a small nose and flat nasal bridge, eyes slanting up, irregularly shaped ears, the ability to extend joints beyond the normal range, a large space between the big toe and its neighbouring toe, and a large tongue relative to the mouth. Children with Down syndrome are susceptible to various abnormalities, including leukemias, congenital heart disease, hearing loss, and vision issues.
Down Syndrome's Healthcare
Individuals with Down syndrome are enjoying longer lives than ever because of the recent breakthroughs in medical science. A person with Down syndrome's quality of life can be improved by meeting their varied healthcare needs, which include,
- Frequent health professional check-ups to evaluate mental and physical growth and to provide timely interventions such as physiotherapy, counseling, or special education.
- Parental care and assistance, medical supervision, and community-based support systems such as special schools are all used to help parents and the community give the best quality of life possible. This allows them to participate in mainstream society and realize their full potential.
World Down Syndrome Theme
This year's world down syndrome day, the theme is "With Us Not For Us," and it is focused on a human rights based approach to disability and the right to be treated fairly, to have the same chances as everyone else, and to make their own choices.
World Down Syndrome Awareness Day: Colors & Symbols
Bring The Colors Back!
Colors do have a voice. Colors, when associated with a specific cause or thing, can instantly remind us of its anchor. This is why colors are frequently utilized in awareness-raising campaigns. The colors blue and yellow are used to promote awareness of Down syndrome.
Put On A Bunch Of Socks!
Wearing mismatched socks is also a symbol of acceptance for those with Trisomy 21. When WDSD approaches, you may hear folks talking about socks for a good reason. The Lots of Socks campaign was created to raise awareness of Down syndrome and finances for Down Syndrome. All you have to do is choose some socks that will stand out - they can be mismatched or your craziest and most colorful socks, whatever suits your taste, and the brighter, the better!
Down But Not Down
People with Down syndrome can improve their quality of life by meeting their healthcare needs, which include regular check-ups with health professionals to monitor their mental and physical condition and provide timely intervention, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, counseling, or special education. It allows them to participate in mainstream society and realize their full potential. Every year, their voices become more powerful and influence government policy. People with Down syndrome can ensure their advocacy and inclusion in their communities by participating in worldwide international down syndrome day events.
