Larkana: The Pakistan Down Syndrome Association (PDSA) organized an awareness session in Larkana to mark the month of October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month, under the global theme of “Health Equity” announced by Down Syndrome International (DSi).
Mr. Abid Lashari, Chief Executive Officer of PDSA Karachi, led the session and emphasized that access to good healthcare is a fundamental right of persons with Down syndrome. He explained that Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition, and children with this condition require proper care, rehabilitation, and support. “Children with Down syndrome may respond slowly, but they respond positively when provided with the right attention and therapies,” he noted.
Mr. Lashari further shared that PDSA Pakistan with collaboration of DEPD Department Government of Sindh operates two rehabilitation centers in Karachi, and in collaboration with the National Disability & Development Forum (NDF), three additional centers are functioning in Larkana, Nawabshah, and Hyderabad to meet the rehabilitation needs of children with Down syndrome.
It was highlighted during the session that Down syndrome should not be considered mental retardation, but a manageable and improvable condition. Participants also emphasized that children with Down syndrome often face multiple health challenges and called for accessible and free medical facilities to ensure their wellbeing and inclusion in society.