World Down Syndrome Day(WDSD) is observed on 21 March every year. Our cover story this week is on Down Syndrome.
Down Syndrome is the effect of an additional presence of chromosome 21. Human beings receive twenty three chromosomes from both the mother and father, equaling a presence of forty-six chromosomes.
The genetic make up for Down Syndrome is receiving 24 chromosomes from mother and 23 chromosomes from father making each nucleus present with forty seven chromosomes in total.
The presence of the additional chromosome effects the mental and internal  development of children.
According to the National Down Syndrome Disorder Society, a few of the common physical traits of Down Syndrome are low muscle tone, small statute, an upward slant of eyes, and a single deep crease across the centre of the palm.
Although each person with Down Syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees.
 On this day, people with Down Syndrome and those who live and workwith them throughout the world organize and participate in activities and events to raise public awareness and create a single global voice for advocating for the rights and wellbeing of people with Down Syndrome.
In Bangladesh, the Down Syndrome Parents Support Group has achieved the representative membership of Down Syndrome International, UK.