The United Nations (UN’s) World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is a global awareness day observed annually across the globe on 21 March to raise public awareness of Down syndrome and advocate for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with Down syndrome.
- WDSD aims to help people understand and support those with Down syndrome better.
21 March 2025 marks the observance of the 14th WDSD.
- The theme of World Down Syndrome Day 2025 is ‘Improve Our Support Systems’.
Ribbon:
The Yellow and Blue Awareness Ribbon represents Down Syndrome.
Background:
i.The global awareness campaign was first observed in 2006 when the Down Syndrome Association Singapore on behalf of Down Syndrome International (DSi), launched and hosted the WDSD website (from 2006-2010).
ii.On 19 December 2011, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution A/RES/66/149, proclaiming 21 March of every year as World Down Syndrome Day.
iii.The first-ever WDSD was observed on 21 March 2012.
Note: The WDSD website and associated activities are coordinated by DSi in collaboration with the United States of America(USA) based National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and the United Kingdom(UK) based Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA).
Why 21 March?
The 21st day of the 3rd month (March) was chosen to represent the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
Lots Of Socks campaign:
The ‘Lots of Socks’ campaign is a global initiative designed to raise awareness and celebrate WDSD.
- It encourages people to wear colorful and mismatched socks.
What is Down Syndrome?
i.Down syndrome (or Trisomy 21) is a condition caused by the presence of an extra partial or whole copy of chromosome 21.
ii.It is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that affects people worldwide.
- The condition influences learning styles, physical characteristics, and overall health to varying degrees.
iii.Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes (a total of 46). People with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome added onto the 21st pair (a total of 47).
iv.People who have Down syndrome usually have an intellectual disability. This is different for each person.
Key Facts:
i.The estimated incidence of Down syndrome is 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,100 live births worldwide.
ii.Annually, around 3,000 to 5,000 children are born with this genetic condition.
iii.Around 1 in every 800 babies will be born with Down syndrome.
2025 Events:
i.The 14th World Down Syndrome Day Conference (WDSDC) was hosted on 21 March 2025 at the UN headquarters in New York, the United States of America (USA).
ii.Multiple events also took place at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland to commemorate WDSD from 20-22 March 2025.
- Among the multiple events, a panel discussion was organised by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on behalf of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
