Kathmandu, March 21

World Down syndrome Day was marked by organising various programmes here today.

More than 300 children with Down syndrome and autism, along with the parents, participated in a walkathon that started from Maitighar and ended at Baneshwor. The walkathon was organised to make people aware of Down syndrome.

Various cultural dances were performed by children with Down syndrome at the office of Down Syndrome Association Nepal.

According to the secretary of Down Syndrome Association Nepal Ramesh Tamang, nearly 40 children with Down syndrome are associated with the DSAN. Among them, only 20 children are taking regular classes while others remain at home.

“It’s been only two years since the government recognised Down syndrome as a major disease and the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare started allocating Rs 500,000 for such children every year. But due to the negligence of local level, budget did not reach the concerned party on time,” said Tamang.

Children with Down syndrome can work and earn if they get proper training and care but the government has not paid much attention towards this. “With the effort of parents themselves, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy classes have been provided till date. Efforts from parents’ side only will not solve the problems,” he said.

He informed that children below 10 years of age were getting proper care and training but they were unable to do much for children above 10 years of age due to lack of required infrastructure and manpower.

Julu Maya Karmacharya, the mother of Sandip Karmacharya who suffers from Down syndrome, is facing difficulty handling her son. He is already 22 years old but he can’t take care of himself. She shared, “At least One of the family members is needed at home to take care of him. I wanted to admit him to school, but schools deny admission.”