Malawi faces major problems because nobody knows how many people have Down Syndrome. This makes health care much harder to provide. Joel Christie from the Health Ministry says they cannot make good policies or provide proper services without these numbers. They also struggle to set aside money to help these people when they don't know how many need help.
"Some disabilities face more discrimination than others. People don't always see them as important. But around the world, one baby in every thousand has Down Syndrome - that's a big number," Christie explained at Friday's event. The government has started plans to count everyone with disabilities across the country. Christie believes this data will help them support each person better once they know exactly who needs what kind of help.
The celebration happened at Chinsapo UNICEF grounds in Lilongwe, where many groups came together. The Center for Down Syndrome, Sickle Cell Anemia, and Autism teamed up with the Sikhalo Foundation for the event. Justice Chipondah from Sikhalo stressed their deep promise to build a society where everyone gets their rights no matter their condition or challenges.
He said every act of support builds dignity for each person. Taking part in these events helps create a world where everyone feels valued. Many local leaders attended alongside parents of children with Down Syndrome. They focused on the theme "#WithUs" to fight against negative attitudes about the condition. The United Nations picked March 21st back in 2012 as World Down Syndrome Day to teach people about this genetic disorder that affects both physical and mental growth.
"Some disabilities face more discrimination than others. People don't always see them as important. But around the world, one baby in every thousand has Down Syndrome - that's a big number," Christie explained at Friday's event. The government has started plans to count everyone with disabilities across the country. Christie believes this data will help them support each person better once they know exactly who needs what kind of help.
The celebration happened at Chinsapo UNICEF grounds in Lilongwe, where many groups came together. The Center for Down Syndrome, Sickle Cell Anemia, and Autism teamed up with the Sikhalo Foundation for the event. Justice Chipondah from Sikhalo stressed their deep promise to build a society where everyone gets their rights no matter their condition or challenges.
He said every act of support builds dignity for each person. Taking part in these events helps create a world where everyone feels valued. Many local leaders attended alongside parents of children with Down Syndrome. They focused on the theme "#WithUs" to fight against negative attitudes about the condition. The United Nations picked March 21st back in 2012 as World Down Syndrome Day to teach people about this genetic disorder that affects both physical and mental growth.
