The North West Department of Health is commemorating National Down Syndrome Month, where the duration of October is used to raise awareness of Down syndrome.<\/p>\n
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According to the provincial department, former President Nelson Mandela declared 20 October as South Africa\u2019s National Down Syndrome Day, a day meant to create awareness about Down syndrome.<\/p>\n
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Citing the 2016 South Africa Medical Journal (SAMJ), the provincial department said Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder in newborns, with a birth prevalence of about two in 1 000 live births.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe disease is a chromosomal disorder arising at conception. It is characterised by an extra number of 21 chromosomes, known as Trisomy 21, which cause delays in physical and intellectual development.\u201d<\/p>\n
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According to Down Sndrome South Africa (DSSA), this year\u2019s theme is \u2018Inclusion Means I Belong\u2019.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThroughout October, people with Down Syndrome celebrate this theme by telling the public exactly what inclusion means to them. It is their right to be part of a family and an accepting community that is supportive of their needs. It is their right to be included in their local neighbourhood school,\u201d the department said.<\/p>\n
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According to DSSA, this also includes the right to be trained and skilled to be able to hold down a job with meaningful pay and to belong to a society that encourages their participation in sports and cultural clubs.<\/p>\n
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\u201cAlthough Down syndrome cannot be cured, there is a variety of medical care treatment available to address problems associated with the syndrome,\u201d the department said.<\/p>\n
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However, early treatment programmes can help improve skills. These may include speech, physical, occupational, and\/or educational therapy.<\/p>\n
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\u201cChildren with Down syndrome can be included in normal schools with regular academic procedures. People with Down Syndrome can live up to the age of 50 to 55.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Facts about Down syndrome:<\/p>\n
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People with Down syndrome have mild to moderate mental damage.<\/p>\n
The cause of Down syndrome is not related to age, race, religion or socioeconomic situations.<\/p>\n
One in 1 000 babies is born in developed countries, while one in 650 babies born in developing countries is affected by Down syndrome.<\/p>\n
80% of children affected by Down syndrome are born from mothers under the age of 35, although women over the age of 35 are at a higher risk of having a child with Down syndrome.<\/p>\n
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Source: South African Government News Agency<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"