World Down Syndrome  Day which is also known as WDSD, is a global awareness initiative that has been backed by the United Nations as a an international event since 21st March 2012, after its official declaration in December 2011.


It has been spearheaded by Down Syndrome International, which has linked up with national charities across the world to develop activities and events to raise awareness and support for those living with Down syndrome, and as well highlight the facts of what it’s like to have Down syndrome, and how those with Down syndrome play a vital role in the society.


Correspondent Emmanuel Okonkwo who sampled people’s opinion on the event reports that Down syndrome  is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition which exists in all regions across the globe, and according to the World Health Organization, estimated incidence of the disease is between one  in every one thousand  to one  in every one thousand, one hundred  live births worldwide.


Though Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring genetic chromosomal disorder, the way the condition presents itself in each person differs, some people will have mild to moderate intellectual and developmental problems, while others might have more severe complications, and some may be healthy, others could have a variety of health-related complications, such as heart defects.


Speaking on the significant of the day, a former Director Public Health Anambra state Ministry of Health, and now Permanent Secretary Ministry of Environment, Dr. Emmanuel Okafor who noted that Down Syndrome occurs when a baby develops an extra copy of the 21st chromosome during pregnancy, recommended that women should start giving birth early in life, at least twenty-two/twenty-three and stop at the age of twenty-nine/thirty, as according to him women above thirty have the tendency of giving birth to babies with Down Syndrome.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Disability Matters, Barr. Chuks Ezewuzie while commending Governor Willie Obiano on the special attention giving to the physically challenged persons in the state, called on other Governors in the country to always consider the plights of persons living with disabilities in their policies and programs in order to give them sense of belonging, as according to him, convention on rights of persons living with disabilities demands that member nation should include such persons in all aspects of social economic life of the society. 

On her part, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters, Dr. Vero Okechukwu described the celebration as a welcome development as it will help in enlightening people on the genetic chromosomal disorder, and as well mobilize support for people living with such challenge in the society.
Dr. Okechukwu advised that children with Down Syndrome should not be seen as a burden or curse to their parents or the society, rather should be encouraged and supported to live normal life.

Also speaking, the Director Rehabilitation Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Children Affairs, Mr. Jude Nwakeme affirmed that Anambra state government has under the Obiano administration achieved a lot for persons living with disabilities, including passing of Disability Bill into law, establishment of vocational rehabilitation centres, among others, calling on parents with Down Syndrome children or other disability challenges, to identify with the Office of Disability Matters or Ministry of Social Welfare to enable the children benefit from various packages the state government have for them, instead of hiding them at home.


This year’s celebration has its theme as, “Leave no one behind: All people with Down Syndrome must have opportunities to live fulfilling lives, included on a full and equal basis with others, in all aspects of society”.

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