(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Clinics at Child Development Centre of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) are treating 190 children with Down Syndrome.
The centre provides support, clinical consultation and child development services for children with the condition, from birth until 14 years.
Physicians at the centre follow a clinical guideline protocol that incorporates international best practices and offer follow-up to children every three to six months.
The centre's Early Intervention Programme accepts children from a very early age and includes parent-to-parent counselling, family and group, occupational and speech therapies, special education and physiotherapy services.
HMC celebrated World Down Syndrome Day with a full-day event, featuring fun-filled activities for children with the condition and their families. More than 150 people gathered at the event celebrated for the fifth year at HMC.
Hosted by Child Development and Rehabilitation Services at HMC's Rumailah Hospital, the event aimed to provide a platform for greater interaction between healthcare professionals, patients and their families.
This year's celebration was held under the theme, 'My Opportunities, My Choices', advocating equal opportunities, rights, and life choices for children with Down Syndrome and stressed the role of their families.
Dr Haitham El Bashir, Head of the centre, said: "On this day, we celebrate these children for their unique capabilities and achievements and let them know that they are invaluable to us and we also encourage parents to speak to us about their concerns and meet other parents like them."
Fatima Mustafa, Acting Assistant Director, Child Rehabilitation, said: "We believe that given the right opportunities, support and care for children with Down Syndrome, they can function as normally as anyone in society. They can attend mainstream schools, enjoy social activities with friends and family, attend universities and have jobs."
Individuals with the condition have 47 chromosomes in their cells instead of the usual 46. According to World Health Organisation, the estimated incidence of the condition is one in 1,000 to 1 in 1,100 live births around the world.
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