Tanzanians urged to support those with Down syndrome challenge

KILIMANJARO: AMID the lively rhythm of a brass band and the determined steps of participants, people with Down syndrome, their families and supporters marched together in a powerful show of unity and inclusion in northern Tanzania.

Their message was simple yet profound: Every life matters and everyone deserves a chance to thrive.

Tanzania, on March 21, 2026, joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Down Syndrome Day, with national celebrations held in the Kilimanjaro Region.

The event began with a peaceful procession led by a brass band, bringing together individuals with Down syndrome, their relatives and various stakeholders.

The march started at the Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner’s Office and proceeded to the Hindu Mandal grounds, where the main celebration took place.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition in which a person is born with an extra chromosome.

This additional genetic material affects how the brain and body develop.

However, with proper care and support, individuals with Down syndrome can live healthy, fulfilling lives.

Speaking during the event, the Founder and Chairperson of Down Syndrome Tanzania, Mony Teri Pettit, explained that the condition occurs when an unusual cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21.

According to her, this additional genetic material is responsible for the developmental changes and physical characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

She further noted that World Down Syndrome Day has been officially recognised on the United Nations calendar since 2012 and is observed annually on March 21.

“World Down Syndrome Day was established to celebrate the lives of people with Down syndrome and to ensure they enjoy the same freedoms and opportunities as everyone else,” she said.

She added that the date, March 21 (21/3), symbolises the triplication of chromosome 21, a unique genetic characteristic of individuals with Down syndrome.

“This annual occasion carries a specific theme each year, and this year’s theme is ‘Together Against Loneliness.’ We encourage all our supporters to engage with and promote this message during this year’s World Down Syndrome Day,” she added.

Mony further explained that while loneliness can affect anyone, individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities are more likely to experience it.

“For example, a recent study conducted in Australia found that 39 per cent of people with intellectual disabilities experience loneliness regularly, compared to 14 per cent of people without disabilities,” she said.

She also pointed out that loneliness extends beyond individuals to their families.

Many families with a member who has a disability tend to conceal this information due to fear of stigma or rejection within their communities.

“This year’s joint slogan, ‘Together Against Loneliness,’ calls on society to take action to build a world where everyone feels included, regardless of their physical condition,” said Mony.

She explained that the theme for this year’s celebration is designed to instill hope for people with Down syndrome.

“Loneliness affects not only a person’s mental well-being but also their physical health over time, increasing the risk of heart problems and other illnesses,” she said.

“Because of their physical condition, many cannot speak for themselves. That is why we established this institution in Tanzania, to collaborate with colleagues around the world and advocate for those who face similar challenges but have the potential to contribute significantly to their communities,” Mony added.

She emphasised that people with Down syndrome have the same rights as their peers without disabilities.

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These rights include living in the community without stigmatisation, attending inclusive schools, participating in various jobs and engaging in activities such as sports, arts and culture.

Beyond education, she noted, those who have completed their studies also have the right to access social services, including government-provided health insurance and loans through district councils.

“There are people with disabilities who access Bajaj loans through relatives to earn a living and they usually repay them. People with Down syndrome can also benefit from such loans through their relatives, enabling them to generate income through various activities,” Mony said.

Since the establishment of the institution in Tanzania, it has become evident that people with Down syndrome, in addition to the physical challenges they were born with, often possess remarkable talents that allow them to contribute to national development.

“Some produce various goods and generate income, others create beaded crafts, clothing, including batik and some have the skills to bake a variety of cookies,” she said.

Mony’s remarks were supported by Rebecca Lebi of the Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Centre, who highlighted the potential of people with Down syndrome in the workplace.

“We have facilitated employment for people with Down syndrome: Five are employed in supermarkets, six in large and recognised restaurants, two in bakeries, eight in institutions producing soap and detergents and nine are engaged in snack production for distribution to shops and supermarkets,” she said,

For his part, Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Nurdin Babu commended the leadership of Down Syndrome Tanzania for establishing the institution, noting that it has brought attention to an important issue that requires action.

“The government recognises and respects the valuable work being done by this institution and its founder, who truly deserves recognition for advocating on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves,” he said, in a message read on his behalf by the Kilimanjaro Regional Education Officer, Abel Mtupwa.

He added, “From now on, regional government authorities will develop strategies to identify and register all individuals with Down syndrome. This will enable the government to understand their numbers and create an inclusive environment that ensures their participation in development activities, just like other Tanzanians.”