Basic Information about WDSD
World Down Syndrome Day is observed on March 21 every year to raise public awareness and voice for the rights, inclusion and wellbeing of people with Down syndrome.
Observed on: March 21
Organized by: UN, WHO
Introduced in: 2007 (WHO Recognition), 2011 (UN Recognition)
Observed: Worldwide
About World Down Syndrome Day
Every year March 21 is observed as World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD).
Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition, being universally present across racial, gender or socio-economic lines, and affecting approximately 1 in 800 live births.
On December 20, 2007, World Health Organization (WHO) recognized March 21 as the World Down Syndrome Day. On December 19, 2011, United Nations General Assembly recognized March 21 as Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) through a resolution.
Activities and Programs on Down Syndrome Day (WDSD)
The activities or programs conducted on this day aims to raise public awareness and create a single global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down syndrome.
On this day programs and activities like demonstrations, scientific meetings, social meetings, medical meetings are conducted to spread the awareness about the Down syndrome and also to exchange their knowledge.
There are many fund-raising activities to support people with Down syndrome. WDSD is one of the great times to support the organizations work in this field. Social media campaigns are organized to raise awareness about Down syndrome. Hashtags used are #WorldDownSyndromeDay, #WDSD.
Themes for World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day 2021 Theme is “We CONNECT so that we can“
Down Syndrome Day 2020 Theme was “We Decide”
WDSD 2019 Theme was “Leave no one behind“
WDSD 2018 Theme was “What I bring to my community“
2017 Theme: My Voice, My Community
2016 Theme: My friends, My Community
2015 Theme: My Opportunities, My Choices – Enjoying Full and Equal Rights and the Role of Families
2014 Theme: Health and Well-being – Access and Equality for all