Today is also World Down Syndrome Day.
The global event which was officially declared an international event by the United Nations in December 2012 and was first observed on 21st March of the same year, is spearheaded by Down Syndrome International, which has linked up with national charities across the world to raise awareness and support for those living with Down syndrome.
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 one thousand to one in 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, the 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, as according to him women at forty and above have the tendency of giving birth to babies with down syndrome.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Disability Matters, Barrister Chuks Ezewuzie while commending Governor Willie Obiano on the special attention given 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.
He encouraged parents with Down syndrome to give them special attention and enroll them in their special schools which is now in the state, in order to bring out the abilities in them.
On her part, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters, Dr. Vero Okechukwu described the celebration as a welcome development as according to her, it will help in enlightening people on the genetic chromosomal disorder as well as mobilize support for people living with such challenge in the society.
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