World Down Syndrome Day
March 21, 2017
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is observed on March 21 every year globally. It is an awareness day declared by the United Nations General Assembly on December 19, 2011 and the first observance was on March 21, 2012.
Why March 21?
The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome
What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome (DS or DNS), also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21.
Facts about Down syndrome:
- It is named after John Langdon Down, the British doctor who explained the syndrome in 1866.
- Down syndrome is one of the most common chromosome abnormalities in humans.
- The parents of the affected individual are genetically normal.
- It occurs in about one per 1000 babies born each year.
- There is no cure for Down syndrome.
- Education and proper care can improve the quality of life.
- As adults, their mental abilities are typically similar to those of an 8- or 9-year-old.
- Life expectancy is around 50 to 60 years in the developed world with proper health care.
- Those with Down syndrome will have physical and intellectual disabilities.
- They have an increased risk of a number of other health problems, including congenital heart defect, epilepsy, leukemia, thyroid diseases, and mental disorders, among others.
World Down Syndrome Day has to be observed in an appropriate manner by creating public awareness of Down syndrome.
Source: www.en.wikipedia.org / www.worlddownsyndromeday.org
Image Credit: www. foundation.dswam.org
