Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has taken the initiative to raise public awareness by connection with different people who are affected with Down Syndrome to promote and improve the optimal quality of life and protect their rights. This initiative comes in order to mark the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD 2021).
This year’s theme given by WDSD is ‘Connect’ which indicates the significance of connecting the individuals who are affected by this illness and the community enabling them to share ideas, insights, experiences and knowledge so that they are ensured of the empowerment of each other persons so that equal rights are given to the people suffering from Down syndrome
HMC also acknowledges the fact that there is a huge capability for people with Down Syndrome and they have the potential to lead a life which is equal to the normal beings in this world and can embrace healthy and wellbeing life and enjoys a higher life expectancy.
Although most are more likely to have certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, hearing and vision problems, and gastrointestinal issues, many of these conditions are now treatable.
“Individuals with Down syndrome can achieve optimal quality of life through parental care and support, medical guidance, and community-based support systems such as inclusive health and education at all levels. This facilitates their participation in mainstream society and the fulfillment of their personal potential. Adequate access to healthcare, to early intervention programs, are also vital to the growth and development of the individual, says Dr. Sona Tahtamouni, Developmental Pediatrician, at Child Development Center in Rumailah Hospital.
Ms. Fatima Mustafa, Assistant Director of Pediatric Therapy Services, says that at the moment, nearly 75 children suffering with Down syndrome and their families are receiving this therapy through the Early Intervention Program at the Child Development Center in Rumailah Hospital. She also mentions that the children are receiving therapy sessions from highly qualified multi-disciplinary teams of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, special education experts and psychologists.
She said: “Each year, the program receives between 40 to 50 new referrals of children with Down syndrome from HMC’s maternity hospitals and from primary health centers. The children are provided with a comprehensive medical and developmental assessment by a developmental pediatrician followed by referral to the early intervention program or other therapy services. The early intervention program offers parent-to-parent counseling, family, and group therapy in addition to individual therapy sessions.”
Down syndrome is one the most usual chromosomal abnormality typically associated with characteristic physical features, some health and developmental challenges, and some level of intellectual disability. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the incidence of Down syndrome is between 1 in 1,000 live births worldwide. Per year approximately 3,000 to 5,000 children around the world are born with Down syndrome.
Every 21 March or 3-21 (a symbolic date), the Child Development Center and Therapy Services in Rumailah Hospital join the global community to raise public awareness to celebrate people with Down syndrome and those who live and work with them throughout the world. The date, 3-21 represents Trisomy 21, the medical term for Down syndrome, which is the third replication of the 21st chromosome.
The campaign had is scheduled for this year also features advice on oral health for children with Down syndrome, which aligns with the World Oral Health Day theme (marked annually on March 20) which is to be ‘Proud of your mouth’ and protect your oral health. Part of the physiology of Down syndrome includes delayed appearance of teeth and other oral health challenges. Parents are advised to arrange a visit to the dentist in the first year of the child’s life and learn about how best to help them take care of their future mouth health.
Highlights of this year’s awareness program at HMC include finding new ways to connect and integrate people with Down syndrome into the community as well as to make sure that their rights are protected. Educational and awareness leaflets, posters, and roll-ups about Down syndrome are on display at HMC hospitals’ lobbies to raise awareness of the condition among hospital visitors.
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