2018 World Down Syndrome Day
Today, the United Nations Human Rights Office in Geneva, the Palais des Nations, will host the 2018 World Down Syndrome Day. Down Syndrome International will this year focus on encouraging those with Down Syndrome to speak up about “What I bring to my community”, aiming to highlight the contribution of those with Down Syndrome in political and employment domains, their gifts and strengths and what enables them to contribute and participate in their community.
Down Syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs when a baby is born with a third, extra copy of chromosome 21. It affects approximately 1 in 1000 live birthsworldwide, though these numbers are somewhat lower in Australia, affecting around 1 in 800 babies. The additional chromosome is due to a process called disjuncture, during which genetic materials fail to separate at a crucial point in gamete formation. Thereason for disjuncture is not known and the condition does not discriminate between ethnic or social groups, however there is a connection to a woman’s age at the time of pregnancy.
While the condition is associated with numerous other health complications including hearing and sight defects, congenital heart disease and some degree of learning difficulty, there are many people living with Down Syndrome who live happy,
Often partnering with organisations and patients involvedwith challenging
Fun fact: World Down Syndrome day is held on the 21st day of the third month to signify the triplication of the chromosome 21.
For more information on World Down Syndrome Day, you can visit their website.