President Ersin Tatar and Prime Minister Faiz Sucuoğlu issued messages to mark the 21st of March World Down Syndrome Day.
President Ersin Tatar in his message emphasized that Down Syndrome is not a disease, but a difference that occurs when there are three copies of the twenty-first chromosome.
The president issued a message to mark World Down Syndrome Day by noting that there are approximately 6 thousand babies born every year around the world with Down syndrome.
“Therefore, 21st of March has been chosen as the date to represent this structural difference, the twenty-first day of the third month, everyone should do their part to raise public awareness, promote inclusion and advocacy, and support the well-being of people with Down syndrome. It is one of our most important duties to ensure that these children participate fully and effectively in all areas of social life without discrimination” the president emphasized in his message.
Prime Minister Faiz Sucuoğlu in his message pointed to the importance of acceptance and support to mark World Down Syndrome Day.
In his message, the Prime Minister said, “We can make the lives of our brothers with Down Syndrome and their families more liveable with the support we will show as a society, rather than treating them as patients”.
“I would like to remind you that as a doctor and a father and apart from my duties as a Prime Minister, we stand by our individuals with Down syndrome and support them, and wish them a future full of health and hope” Prime Minister Sucuoğlu said in his message.