World Down Syndrome Day: Theme, Objectives, History and Significance

World Down Syndrome Day is observed globally on 21 March. This day for the global awareness about Down syndrome is being officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. This day also brings an annual opportunity for the Global Down Syndrome community to connect with each other. Let us give you more details about this special day.

World Down Syndrome Day: 21s March

21st March has not been randomly selected for observing the World Down Syndrome Day. Down Syndrome is caused due to the triplication of the 21st chromosome i.e. when an individual has got an extra (full or partial) copy of chromosome 21. This is the reason the General Assembly of the United Nations declared 21st March i.e. 21st day of the 3rd month as World Down Syndrome Day with the motto to spread awareness about the syndrome.

It is estimated that the incidence of Down Syndrome is about 1 in 1000 to 1100 live births. It is one of the most prevalent chromosomal disorders in human beings. It causes varying degrees of physical and intellectual disabilities and associated medical conditions. When so many children are being born each year with Down syndrome, it is very important that countries and people of the world are made aware of the ways of improving the lives of such children.

History of World Down Syndrome Day

1990: AFRT, The French Association for Research on Trisomy 21 was founded to support the research on the occurrence and consequences of triplication of chromosome 21. This was one of the initial steps for research and awareness about Down Syndrome.

2005: AFRT conducted its first meeting. March 21 was proposed as the symbolic day for representing Down Syndrome.

2007: World Health Organization acknowledged AFRT’s suggestion and recognized March 21 as the World Down Syndrome Day.

2011: The UN General Assembly supported WHO’s acknowledgment and recognized March 21 as the World Down Syndrome Day.

2012: First World Down Syndrome Day was observed on March 21.

Observation of World Down Syndrome Day

On 21st March, various organizations including the United Nations and World Health Organization conduct various programs to spread awareness and make people more empathetic towards those born with Down syndrome. People with Down syndrome as well as those who live and work with them participate in various activities to raise public awareness. Many organizations utilize this opportunity to advocate inclusion, rights and well-being of persons with down syndrome.

This day is also used by many organizations to highlight the accomplishments and contributions of People with Down Syndrome which are generally overlooked by the society. In addition to raising awareness and empowering people with down syndrome, the observation of WDSD also helps in raising money for research purposes.

Odd Colored Socks and Down Syndrome

One of the most common ways used by people for celebrating Down syndrome day and showing solidarity with people with Down syndrome is to wear brightly colored mismatched socks. With the growing trend of social media, netizens are seen posting pictures wearing mismatched socks on the 21st of March. It is a way of starting a conversation about Down syndrome and shows solidarity with those born with an extra chromosome 21. Some people also use different colored ribbons or wrist-bands. Whatever way one chooses, the objective is to talk about issues relating to the trisomy of chromosome 21 and the issues it brings to the life of the affected person.