International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices - Health - Nairaland
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| International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by Chiemeriee(op): 4:08pm On Mar 21 |
International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation chides societal prejudices BY BONIFACE OKECHUKWU The Ugo Edward-Dibiana Down Syndrome Foundation commemorates International Down Syndrome Day, emphasizing the need for a society that encourages inclusivity, safety, and well-being for all individuals, irrespective of their conditions. The foundation revealed that children with Down Syndrome and other disabilities in Nigeria continue to encounter significant obstacles, including discriminatory practices and insufficient access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and social resources, in spite of the Prohibition Against Discrimination of People with Disabilities Act. In a statement issued in Abuja on March 21, Co-founder Mrs. Duma Edward-Dibiana stressed that cultivating a culture of acceptance and understanding is pivotal to ensuring every individual feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. The International Down Syndrome Day is observed annually on March 21, with the aim of advocating for a more inclusive society that acknowledges and accepts individuals with Down Syndrome, who continue to face societal prejudices worldwide. Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs when an individual has an extra copy of chromosome 21, leading to intellectual disability, delayed speech and language development, and distinct physical characteristics. It's not a disease, but rather a chromosomal variation that affects physical and cognitive development. The theme of this year's Down Syndrome Day is: 'Together Against Loneliness'. Reflecting on the theme in her statement, Mrs. Edward-Dibiana, emphasized, "Individuals with Down Syndrome are integral, contributing members of our communities, sharing roles as neighbors, classmates, and colleagues. Despite this, many face isolation due to societal reluctance to embrace inclusivity, often rooted in cultural, religious, or social prejudices. "The refusal to unconditionally accept individuals with this kind of congenital biological conditions can lead to profound feelings of isolation, self-doubt, and depression. Being overlooked, underestimated, or excluded can be a painful experience, akin to being physically present yet emotionally disconnected - a poignant paradox of being surrounded by others, yet shrouded in loneliness. "It is imperative that our society strives to create an environment that is safe, inclusive, and conducive to the well-being of all individuals, regardless of their conditions. This can be achieved by building and nurturing a culture of acceptance and understanding, where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. "People with Down Syndrome, in particular, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and to have equal opportunities to participate in and contribute to society. "As we reflect on the world we are creating, let us ask ourselves: what kind of legacy are we leaving for future generations? Are we perpetuating stigma, discrimination, and inequality, or are we choosing a path of empowerment, inclusion, and love? "Let us strive to build a society that values diversity and promotes equality, where everyone has the opportunity to belong and reach their full potential. By doing so, we can break down the barriers of loneliness and create a brighter, more compassionate future for all." The foundation urged the government to prioritize the needs of children with disabilities by ensuring effective implementation of the Prohibition Against Discrimination of People with Disabilities Act. This law, enacted to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities, has yet to be fully enforced by government and private institutions, resulting in persistent discrimination and stigmatization. The foundation advocates for tangible measures to address this disparity and promote inclusivity.
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| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by clockwisereport: 7:17pm On Mar 21 |
You are loved, beautiful people |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by playapayaski: 7:17pm On Mar 21 |
Trisomy 21. Your are very much loved |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by JohnieWalker12(m): 7:22pm On Mar 21 |
One of the fun and lively people to be around. You are loved guys ❤️ |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by iampeterben(m): 7:23pm On Mar 21 |
The society cherish you all! |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by MaziObinnaokija: 7:24pm On Mar 21 |
They are BEAUTIFUL/WONDERFUL MADE. Nothing is wrong with the PRECIOUS GIFTS |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by CJStarz: 7:30pm On Mar 21 |
Caused by one extra chromosome. |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by Chegesnd: 7:33pm On Mar 21 |
You are a special people and deserve special attention. Mankind is incomplete without you! Bravo! |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by samdaisi: 7:37pm On Mar 21 |
It's well, God can't be mocked |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by Omoawoke(m): 7:41pm On Mar 21 |
May we not born down syndrome oo God abeg |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by GanagiBitrus: 7:42pm On Mar 21 |
Na this kind experience dey make the father or the mother to ask God some questions. |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by Python25to30: 7:47pm On Mar 21 |
samdaisi:But no b the real God create this our earth bodies sha. |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by MissOpe(f): 7:58pm On Mar 21 |
Python25to30:Is it the fake God? Abi...............mmm |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by Python25to30: 8:10pm On Mar 21 |
MissOpe:Why would God create your bodies on this earth. You are him The main purpose of the body is limitation and attachment. Why is it that you find it easy to get addicted to pleasures. Food, beautiful females, family drama, sex, lust, greed, anger etc. Its the body natural way of trapping your soul in this realm as far as you are attached to those sensual pleasure. Can u tell me why its harder to meditate or pray but its easier to masturbate , smoke engage in demonic vices. The truth is all there is. Life is mental. Mental is spiritual. Spiritual is divine. God is divine. The body is a temporary trap. |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by Masterdeking(m): 8:13pm On Mar 21 |
Do we have a group especially WhatsApp groups for down syndrome people especially patients or parents to help learn on ways and means to take care of these special people |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by Brendaniel: 8:31pm On Mar 21 |
May the grace of God live and manifest with them and in their lives in Jesus name. |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by TheStoriesOfMan: 8:39pm On Mar 21 |
They are special people. Today is World Special Day Celebration. |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by BlocksNG(m): 8:44pm On Mar 21 |
I never understand why and how these people resembled themselves. From America to Africa to Europe, they looked alike. |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by emoboy4u: 8:52pm On Mar 21 |
BlocksNG:Bro same with dwarfs, Africa,Asia, America, dwarfs look alike |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by lebete3000: 9:14pm On Mar 21 |
Chiemeriee:Today happens to be the 21st day of the 3rd Month of the Year, to symbolize the Triplication (Trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which is the genetic cause of Down syndrome. Happy International Down's Syndrome Day! |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by Mosco100(m): 9:21pm On Mar 21 |
They're humans too, and they need every care and love that we can give them. 🤗 |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by cedricksly: 9:32pm On Mar 21 |
playapayaski:in all Honesty This Is One Case Were Extra One Becomes A Problem. Just Extra 1 oooo. |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by Gotocourt: 9:35pm On Mar 21 |
Today is also Global Surveyor's Day ![]() |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by Wadoboy(m): 10:49pm On Mar 21 |
BlocksNG:The thing is surprising. The ones in Obire, Ogedegbe Street, looks like the ones in Igbudu Market. |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by MicahSh: 11:17pm On Mar 21 |
Masterdeking:If you are in Abuja there are groups and foundation to learn more of down syndrome and the autism spectrum. |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by MicahSh: 11:20pm On Mar 21 |
Chiemeriee:Good one my people! One love! Beautiful people. |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by sirray001: 2:07am On Mar 22 |
Omoawoke:This your prayer no make sense |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by bikefab(m): 9:12am On Mar 22 |
Remembering my late sister Chisom, she lived with down syndrome and died in July 2006. |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by Godjone(m): 10:52am On Mar 22 |
May her soul rest with the Lord Amen. My condolences pls bikefab: |
| Re: International Down Syndrome Day: Foundation Chides Societal Prejudices by sunnymighty(m): 11:10am On Mar 22 |
Masterdeking:We do, I work with the Down syndrome Foundation Nigeria. You can follow us on Facebook- Down syndrome Foundation Nigeria. Thank you. |
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