On March 21st, World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated, which was approved by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2011. It aims to raise awareness of Down Syndrome and support people with Down Syndrome and their families.
Objectives:
- Raising awareness of Down Syndrome and how it occurs.
- Raising awareness of the role of people with Down syndrome in communities.
- Encouraging people with Down syndrome to study or work.
Facts:
- The number of people with Down syndrome is estimated to range from 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,100 live births worldwide.
- Older mothers are more likely to have a child with Down syndrome than younger mothers.
- Infants with Down syndrome who also have a congenital heart defect are five times more likely to die in the first year of life than infants with Down syndrome who do not have coronary heart disease.
- The quality of life of people with Down syndrome can be improved by meeting their healthcare needs.
Official Date:
- Globally: March 21st, 2024
- Locally: Ramadan 11th, 1445H