Inclusion is the focus for this year’s World Down Syndrome Day.

By Aabigayle McIntosh

One in every thousand mothers worldwide gives birth to a child with Down Syndrome. In fact, in Antigua and Barbuda last year three babies were born with the condition among the live births that were recorded.

Despite the public awareness of the issue health officials say it is still a major challenge as members of society are still not openly accepting those who are born differently.

This will be the primary focus on March 21st when Antigua and Barbuda joins with the rest of the world to commemorate World Down Syndrome Day under the theme, “Ending stereotypes”.

The primary focus, according to the Head of the Pediatric Department at the Hospital Dr Shivon Belle Jarvis is on the judgment.

“Children with Down Syndrome can be educated, they can read and write, they can participate in anything that we do,” Belle Jarvis said.

Over the past three years, the department has been partnering with the National Cycling Federation to conduct a family fun ride and she said this year will be no different.

President of the Federation St Clair Williams said bicycles will be available for $35 EC for those who do not have one. The event will also see participation from professional cyclists.

“The event will be on March 24th where we will gather at the PAN Nam Base at 3:30 in the afternoon. We want to see everyone coming out in their mismatched socks to give more awareness to Down Syndrome”, Williams said.

On March, 21st, the actual Down Syndrome Day, members will be asked to rock the socks in support of Down Syndrome.

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome.

Down syndrome varies in severity among individuals, causing lifelong intellectual disability and developmental delays. It’s the most common genetic chromosomal disorder and cause of learning disabilities in children. It also commonly causes other medical abnormalities, including heart and gastrointestinal disorders.