World Down Syndrome Day

World Down Syndrome Day History

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) seeks to raise awareness about Down Syndrome. Originally instituted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011, the day aims to promote inclusivity, understanding, acceptance and well-being of people with Down Syndrome. The observance seeks to highlight the inherent rights, contributions and potentials of those affected and to challenge the prejudices or misinformation associated with the genetic condition.

WDSD’s relevance to South Africa is steeped in the global context. The genetic disorder is one of the most common chromosomal abnormalities in the human population, including South Africa. The National Down Syndrome Association of South Africa reports that one in every 500 to 600 births in South Africa are children with Down Syndrome. This makes WDSD a significant event for many South African families. South Africa’s history with Down Syndrome has seen significant steps taken in raising awareness, promoting inclusivity and providing support. The observance day helps to further these causes.

In South Africa, World Down Syndrome Day is commemorated through various activities designed to educate the public and advocate for the rights and well-being of individuals with Down Syndrome. These include awareness campaigns, education programs, public forums, and media engagements. These efforts are undertaken by multiple stakeholders, including families, communities, advocacy groups, government and non-government institutions. These activities also serve to echo the global theme of WDSD. As with the rest of the world, World Down Syndrome Day is observed in South Africa on the 21st of March, a date symbolically representing the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which results in Down Syndrome.

Facts about World Down Syndrome Day

• The theme for World Down Syndrome Day in 2025 was Improve Our Support Systems, in 2025 it was End The Stereotypes. The theme in 2023 was With Us Not For Us.
• According to the U.N, those with Down syndrome can achieve an optimal quality of life through parental care and support, medical guidance, and community based support systems. By being inclusive such as with education, those with Down syndrome can have greater participation in mainstream society.
• Historically, Down Syndrome was stigmatized in South Africa, as it was in many parts of the world. This has gradually shifted over the years, due to greater knowledge and understanding of the genetic condition.
• In 2020, an initiative called "Adopt a Buddy" was created by the Down Syndrome Association in Pretoria, South Africa. The initiative fosters a relationship between people with Down Syndrome and the general public, by pairing them up with "buddies", to promote understanding and inclusion.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for World Down Syndrome Day

Top things to do in South Africa for World Down Syndrome Day

• Learn more about Down syndrome in the short film Chromosomes R Us.
• Participate in Fun Walks: Organized by the Down Syndrome Association South Africa, fun walks are a popular event where people gather to encourage and celebrate people with Down syndrome. In the past, fun walks have been held in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
• Read a book to learn more about Down Syndrome in South Africa:
  Down Syndrome Across the Life Span - by Monica Cuskelly, Anne Jobling, and Susan Buckley: This book provides comprehensive worldwide view on Down Syndrome.
  South African Constitutional Law In Context - by Pierre De Vos and Warren Freedman: Although this isn't specifically about Down Syndrome, it provides important context for understanding disability rights and policy in South Africa.