Kathmandu, March 21

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare Chandra Prakash Mainali today said the government was committed to rehabilitation of differently-abled people by addressing all types of disabilities.

At a programme organised on the occasion of the 21st Down Syndrome Day organised here today by the Down Syndrome Association Nepal, DPM Mainali said the government has been involved in protection and rehabilitation of differently-abled people.

He said, “Most of the people are not aware about the Down Syndrome.

The government is always ready support the organisations working in this sector to inform the people and create public awareness about the disease.”

Association Chairperson Dr Lalita Joshi pointed out that the family, society and government should pay special attention to care and rehabilitation of such people as Down Syndrome is a type of intellectual disability.

Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by an error in cell division that results in an extra 21st chromosome. The condition leads to impairment in both cognitive ability and physical growth that range from mild to moderate developmental disabilities.

Prenatal testing could find out whether or not the foetus is suffering from the disease but such facility is not available in Nepal, it can be found out by sending the blood sample to India for tests.

Chairperson Joshi said that it was necessary that all expecting mothers should undergo prenatal testing. She said that there are 46 chromosomes in a normal person and 47 in a person with Down Syndrome.

The Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on March 21 every year.