Published By: Nibandh Vinod
Last Updated: March 21, 2024, 06:00 IST
World Down Syndrome Day is observed every year on March 21. (Image: Shutterstock)
Down syndrome develops when an individual has an extra partial (or complete) copy of chromosome 21. It is usually discovered during pregnancy.
Every year on March 21, World Down Syndrome Day is observed across the globe. The day is designated to promote awareness about Down syndrome and to assist those who live with the condition. The United Nations (UN) chose March 21 to represent the uniqueness of Down syndrome caused by triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome.
A person with Down Syndrome possesses an extra chromosome. Chromosomes are lengthy DNA strands that hold all of the body’s genes. A baby is born with an average of 46 chromosomes (23 pairs). “Babies with Down syndrome have an extra copy of one of these chromosomes, chromosome 21,” as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As a result, the extra chromosome alters the way the newborn grows (both body and brain), causing physical and cognitive issues for the child.
According to the United Nations, the global prevalence of Down Syndrome is estimated to be between 1 in 1,000 and 1 in 1,100 live births. This chromosomal defect affects between 3,000 and 5,000 infants born each year around the world. It is unknown why this sickness develops, but it has long been a part of the human experience.
World Down Syndrome Day 2024: Theme
This year’s World Down Syndrome Day theme is ‘End The Stereotypes’. The theme is a message urging people to integrate people with Down syndrome in all aspects of life and not discriminate against them.
World Down Syndrome Day 2024: History And Significance
World Down Syndrome Day was first marked in 2006, following its establishment by Down Syndrome International (DSI) during its 2005 World Congress. Later, the Brazilian Federation of Down Syndrome Associations collaborated with DSI and its members to launch a large-scale effort to attract international support.
The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution in November 2011 establishing World Down Syndrome Day as an annual event. The next month, the Assembly designated March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day. The UNGA also announced that beginning in 2012, World Down Syndrome Day would be observed annually.
World Down Syndrome Day encourages understanding and acceptance of persons who have the condition. It also provides an opportunity to recognise the accomplishments and efforts of persons with Down syndrome, who frequently experience discrimination and barriers to inclusion.
World Down Syndrome Day 2024: Symptoms And Causes
Babies with Down Syndrome have an extra chromosome, which affects how their bodies and brains grow. People with this syndrome typically have a somewhat low IQ (intellectual level) and talk more slowly than other children.
A baby born with this genetic disease frequently exhibits some of the following physical characteristics:
- Flattening of the face and nose bridge
- Slanted almond-shaped eyes
- Short neck
- Small ears.
- Protruding tongue
- White dots on the iris of the eye.
- Small hands and feet.
- A single line across the palm (palmar crease).
- Small pinky fingers
- Poor muscular tone
- Shorter height in children and adults.
Down syndrome is usually discovered during pregnancy. If the infant is not identified, his or her looks can usually be utilised to determine the condition.
World Down Syndrome Day 2024: Why Do People Wear Socks On This Day
Every year on March 21, people throughout the world wear brightly coloured, mismatched socks to honour World Down Syndrome Day.
March 21 is significant because people with Down syndrome have three copies of the 21st chromosome. Socks were chosen because Ds chromosomes have a karyotype similar to mismatched socks.
