By Elia Chibwe

Lilongwe, November 3, Mana: The Center for Down syndrome, Sickle Cell Anemia, and Autism (CEDOSSA) has appealed to the government, employers, and the public to provide more support to persons with Down syndrome in the country as a crucial step in mitigating the challenges they face.

In an interview with the Malawi News Agency (MANA), Lauryn Sulani, Director of CEDOSSA, emphasized the need for inclusion in organizations to support people with Down syndrome.

"We are asking employers to consider persons with Down syndrome based on their capabilities. Inclusion in organizations is a long-term goal that starts from early childhood with interventions like physiotherapy and speech therapy," Sulani said.

She further highlighted the numerous challenges faced by people with Down syndrome, urging both the government and the public to provide necessary support.

"People with Down Syndrome face challenges such as lack of support from their families and inadequate treatment and surgeries for heart conditions that require operations.

"Let us support and embrace people who have Down syndrome. Government should be supporting resource centres with materials needed in the resource rooms and train more special needs teachers," she said.

Sulani also mentioned that her Center has established October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month to combat discrimination and raise awareness about the condition, highlighting that awareness campaign on the condition may help to reach out to many people, and make people understand what causes Down syndrome and where to go for medical support.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, Adrian Chikumbe said the fight against discrimination is a priority for the government.

"The ministry is actively discouraging any form of discrimination, including against those with Down syndrome," Chikumbe said.

According to Chikumbe, the country has over 100 conditions that the government is addressing to mitigate discrimination.

However, he noted that Down syndrome in Malawi has not affected many people, unlike other conditions, hence no need for much costs to it.