World Down Syndrome Day 2023: Quality of life of such people can improve by meeting their health care needs

Down syndrome occurs when an individual has an extra, partial (or whole) copy of chromosome 21. However, it isn’t yet known why this syndrome occurs, but Down Syndrome has always been a part of the human condition. In December 2011, the General Assembly declared 21 March as the World Down Syndrome Day.

This year, the theme for World Down Syndrome Day is ‘With Us Not for Us’. This message is key to a human-rights based approach to disability. It is estimated that the incidence of Down Syndrome is between 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,100 live births worldwide. Each year, approximately 3,000 to 5,000 children are born with this chromosome disorder.

Down Syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder that affects one out of 166 births in India. It is caused by an extra copy of the 21st chromosome, and it’s the most common genetic condition in the world.

So this year, let’s look at five facts that parents must know about this condition. Dr Paritosh Anand, Consultant Pediatric Critical Care, Citizens Specialty Hospital, Hyderabad explains:

According to the United Nations, the quality of life of people with DS can be improved by meeting their healthcare needs. This includes regular check-ups with health experts to monitor mental and physical condition as well as to provide them timely intervention. This can be physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, counselling or special education. There is no doubt that individuals with DS can achieve good quality of life through parental care and support, medical guidance, and community based-support like inclusive education at all levels.