Turkana County marks end of Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Turkana

Thursday November 2,2023

KNA by Peter Gitonga 

Turkana County Rehabilitative Services on Wednesday hosted a celebration at the Occupational Therapy Department of Lodwar County Referral Hospital (LCRH) in a bid to create awareness about Downs Syndrome (DS).

The celebration aims to raise awareness, dispel stereotypes and debunk myths associated with the syndrome.

According to the National Ministry of Health, one in every 700 children is born with Down Syndrome (DS).

However, despite its prevalence, this chromosomal disorder remains relatively unknown, prompting the need for greater awareness. 

To this end, every October has been dedicated to creating this awareness and this year’s theme, "With us, NOT for us," seeks to uphold the rights of people with DS to make their own decisions. 

It advocates for their active participation in various organizations, policy-making, and work teams emphasising their overall well-being.

“Down Syndrome is not a disease, but a lifelong condition. At the Lodwar County Referral Hospital, we are ready to support the parents of children with the syndrome with the required health services,” said Dr Kidalio Ekiru, the Deputy Director of LCRH. 

The County Coordinator for Rehabilitative Services, Concepta Long’ole, said that early interventions and specialized education are essential components that empower individuals with Down Syndrome to realize their potential and accomplishments.

“Although there is no cure for Down Syndrome, various support systems such as physical, occupational, and speech therapies are available to assist in their development,” she said. 

She further added that the program will be creating a database of DS patients and thereafter link them with the occupational therapists at the sub-county hospitals. 

Courtesy; KNA