Down Syndrome South Africa (DSSA) is calling for an improvement in systems that support people living with Down syndrome (DS), including access to health care.
Down syndrome is one of the most common occurring genetic conditions- caused by a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21, known as trisomy 21 which alters the course of development both physically and cognitively.
This year DSSA will mark World Down Syndrome Day- on March 21, with walks in Pretoria, Cape Town, East London, Kimberley, and Polokwane.
Click audio below: SA prepares to mark World Down Syndrome Day
DSSA representative, Annelise Boot explains, “South Africa has come a long way, but I think there is still a very long road ahead.
Some of the challenges that we are facing in our community are the stereotypes, where people still believe that persons with Down syndrome are not capable of having independent lives, or being educated. We find that there’s a massive backlog with accessible and affordable health care for persons with Down syndrome.”
