This March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day. The United Nations General Assembly set this date as such to recognize people with this genetic disease as individuals with autonomy, independence and above all, respect.

In Ecuador, two out of every 1,000 children are born with Down syndrome, a change caused by the presence of extra genetic material on chromosome 21. This is the highest rate compared to the world average, which is one out of every 1,000 live births. Children with this genetic disorder need is early medical help to monitor their physical and mental development as they grow up. In addition to inclusive education and appropriate educational therapy.

Evelyn Labanda, representative of Down syndrome on Ecuadorian TV, was invited to ‘Café CNN’

In Ecuador, the demand for dignified care and easy access in the public sector for children with this condition is very high. But only Pichincha, Guayas, Manabí, Imbabura and Azuay have specialized comprehensive rehabilitation centers (CERIs) that offer physical, movement and language therapies for children with this syndrome and other diseases. In Pichincha, CERI is located in Conocoto; in Guayas it is diagonal to the naval base; in Manabí it is next to the IESS in Portoviejo; in Imbabura it is in Ibarra, in the citadel of the same name; and in Azuay it is in the parish of Huayna Cápac.

‘Bebé Victoria’ is the first doll with Down syndrome features in Ecuador created by Belén Bonnard from Guayaquil

The testimonies and benefits achieved on a physical and intellectual level by infants who have been able to access these and other private sites are flattering. But attention is still limited. Many live in conditions of extreme poverty and access to a health center or one specialized in this type of disorder is impossible.

Success for an adult with Down syndrome is possible

For this reason, on this World Down Syndrome Day, we are united in one message about the importance of creating more space for inclusion in education and work, about the need to promote better public policies aimed at vulnerable population groups, and about the right of these people to be treated with respect and justice. (OR)