Accra: The Special Mothers Project, an advocacy program focused on cerebral palsy and challenges faced by families raising children with disabilities, has called on the government to enhance support systems for individuals with Down syndrome.

According to Ghana News Agency, the appeal was made through a statement issued and signed by Mrs. Hannah Awadzi, Executive Director of the Special Mothers Project. The statement highlighted the severe difficulties that individuals with Down syndrome face in accessing basic services such as education and healthcare. It emphasized that support is a fundamental human right, which is essential for enabling other rights.

World Down Syndrome Day is marked annually on March 21st and has been officially recognized by the United Nations since 2012. The day aims to raise global awareness and foster better understanding and support for people with Down syndrome. The date itself symbolizes the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which is the genetic cause of Down syndrome.

This year's World Down Syndrome Day theme, "Improve our support systems," underscores the need for tailored support that addresses the diverse needs of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The statement from the Special Mothers Project expressed concern over Ghana's lack of adequate support systems for people with disabilities, stressing the importance of human rights-based support.

The organization urged governmental action to create and enforce laws and policies that encompass the involvement of people with disabilities and their families in the development, implementation, and monitoring of support systems.