NewsDetail
The Child Development Center at Rumailah Hospital, a member of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), is holding a series of events to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day for children living with the condition and their families.
Being held for the seventh consecutive year, the theme of the celebration is "My Voice…My Community.” Highlights of the celebration will include awareness raising activities aimed at ensuring the rights of individuals with Down syndrome are protected and celebrating integrating them into the community. Educational and awareness leaflets, posters, and roll-ups about Down syndrome will be on display in the lobbies of HMC hospitals in order to raise awareness of the condition among hospital visitors.
Ms. Fatima Mustafa, Assistant Director of Pediatric Rehabilitation, said around 300 healthcare professionals and members of the public, including individuals with Down syndrome from various local schools, are expected to attend an educational and awareness event being held tomorrow at Hajar Auditorium as part of activities marking the day.
“The event will provide an opportunity for families of people with Down syndrome to interact and share their experiences,” she said.
A number of organizations specializing in the care of children with special needs will take part in HMC’s World Down Syndrome Day events, including the Special Education Department at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Thomas Center at the Ministry of Culture and Sports, Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs, Best Buddies Qatar, Qatar Voluntary Center, Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs and Qatar Institute for Speech and Hearing.
Ms. Mustafa explained that HMC provides children with Down syndrome with a variety of programs and services, including an early intervention program at the Child Development Center.
According to her, the Center caters to around 70 children with Down syndrome who are undergoing rehabilitation and development programs conducted by highly qualified multi-disciplinary teams of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, special education experts and mental health services specialists.
She stated that children with Down syndrome are normally referred to the Center from Women's Hospital after their delivery, adding that the Center also accepts referrals from Primary Health Care centers.
Dr. Azhar Khattab, Consultant in Pediatric Rehabilitation explained that Down syndrome is a group of physical and mental characteristics resulting from an abnormal cell division involving the chromosomes.
He said children with Down syndrome are also characterized by special features of the face. “They are susceptible to congenital heart disease or body disorders such as respiratory system disorders. They may also suffer developmental delays and negative effects on their mobility and language capabilities. However, children with Down syndrome may lead a normal life if they are granted appropriate opportunities, necessary support, and healthcare,” he noted.
Dr. Khattab added: "In addition to the rehabilitation services the Child Development Center provides for children, the Center is staffed by an elite group of specialized physicians who also perform regular heart, vision, hearing, and thyroid gland screening. The Center also works with parents to develop children's talents and integrate them into the community."
