New Delhi: Down Syndrome has been trending since morning across the world. The reason behind this is World Down Syndrome Day. Every year, we commemorate the day to spread awareness about the hereditary disorder. As per the data of the United Nations, between 3,000 to 5,000 infants are born with this chromosomal abnormality each year.
Notably, those who are born with down syndrome have an extra chromosome. This extra chromosome affects the baby’s body, brain development. It further poses mental and physical challenges in the development of a baby.
World Down Syndrome Day history and theme
The credit of marking March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day goes to the Brazilian Federation of Associations of Down Syndrome as they launched an extensive campaign to generate international support with Down Syndrome International. World Down Syndrome was observed for the first time in 2006. Later in November 2011, the resolution was adopted by the General Assembly to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day every year. In December, the assembly formally declared March 21 World Down Syndrome Day.
Next year in 2012, the UNGA also gave its approval to the day. The theme for this year on World Down Syndrome Day is ”Inclusion Means”. The theme calls for the inclusion of every person suffering from the illness in our daily life so they do not feel alone.
Symptoms of Down Syndrome in babies are as follows:
-Flat facial features
-Small head and ears
-Short neck
-Poor muscle tone or loose joints
-Bulging tongue
-Atypically shaped ears
-Eyes that slant upward
-Tiny white spots on the iris
Causes of Down Syndrome
As we mentioned above, Down Syndrome is an inherited disease. It is passed by both parents to their children. Usually, the baby’s cells receive 23 pairs of chromosomes. If any of the chromosomes don’t separate properly, the baby ends up with an extra partial copy. This condition causes the above-mentioned problems.
Disclaimer: The content is just for informational purposes. A final decision must be taken after the consult with a doctor.
