DOWN SYNDROME

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Context

• World Down Syndrome Day was observed on March 21.

About World Down Syndrome Day

• The first World Down Syndrome Day was observed on March 21 in
• The uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which produces Down syndrome, is symbolised by the choice of the 21st day of March.

History and significance

• With effect from 2012, the General Assembly decided to observe World Down Syndrome Day on March 21 every year.
• To increase public awareness of Down syndrome, the General Assembly invites all Member States, pertinent United Nations agencies, other international organisations, and members of civil society, including non-governmental organisations and the private sector, to observe World Down Syndrome Day in an appropriate way.
• Every year, International Down Syndrome Day is marked to increase public understanding of the condition.
• The UN asks for "full and effective involvement and inclusion in society" in the main principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD).

Theme

• "Inclusion Means" is the topic for World Down Syndrome Day this year.

Significance

• Understanding the importance and reason for observing this day is essential to drawing attention to the condition in a positive light.

What is Down Syndrome and what causes it?

• In the body, chromosomes are discrete "packages" of genes. They control how a baby's body develops during pregnancy and after birth, determining how it will look and work. A newborn typically has 46 chromosomes (23 Chromosome Pairs). One of these chromosomes, chromosome 21, has an extra copy in infants with Down syndrome.
• Thus, an extra chromosome causes the disorder known as Down syndrome.
• Trisomy is the medical word for having an extra copy of a chromosome.
• Trisomy 21 is another term used to describe Down syndrome.

Impact of Down Syndrome

• The newborn may experience difficulties with their mental and physical development as a result of this additional copy, which alters how their body and brain grow.
• Individuals with Down syndrome typically have mild to moderately low IQs (a measure of intelligence) and speak more slowly than other children.

Treatment

• There's no cure for Down syndrome, but treatment is available to help the child reach their full potential.
• Treatment focuses on helping your child thrive physically and mentally.
• Treatment options could include: Physical or occupational therapy.

https://www.ndtv.com/health/world-down-syndrome-day-2023-history-significance-everything-you-need-to-know-about-this-condition-3877857