The day officially recognised by the United Nations General Assembly
is celebrated globally on the twenty first March every year, to
celebrate the lives and achievements of people with Down syndrome, and
as well advocate for their rights, inclusion and wellbeing.

Correspondent, Emmanuel Okonkwo who sampled people’s opinion on the
significance of day, reports that  Down syndrome occurs when an individual has an extra partial or whole
copy of chromosome twenty-one.

 It is not yet known why this syndrome occurs, but Down syndrome has
always been a part of the human condition, which exists in all regions
across the globe, and commonly results in variable effects on learning
styles, physical characteristics, and health.

Speaking on the essence of the day, a Public Health Specialist, and
Permanent Secretary Anambra state Ministry of Environment, Dr. Emma
Okafor who described Down Syndrome as a genetic disease said that it
affects children usually born by mothers above forty-five years,
advocated that women should start giving birth on time and stop at the
age of forty or forty-five, in order to avoid the tendency of giving
birth to a down syndrome child.

Dr. Okafor while listing features of Down Syndrome to include mental
retardation, small head, upward slanting eyes, big tongue, very low
muscle tones, disclosed that the quality of life of people with Down
syndrome can be improved by meeting their health care needs, including
regular check-ups with health professionals to monitor mental and
physical condition, and as well providing them with timely
intervention, be it physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech
therapy, counselling or special education.

Contributing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Disability
Matters, Barrister Chuks Ezewuzie, pointed out that individuals with
Down syndrome can achieve optimal quality of life through parental
care and support, medical guidance, and community based support
systems such as inclusive education at all levels, which according to
him, facilitates their participation in mainstream society and the
fulfillment of their personal potential.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “We Decide”.

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