People living with down syndrome should be given special opportunities: President

Addis Ababa, March 19, 2023 (FBC) – President Sahle-Work Zewde stated that segments of communities living  with down syndrome should be given special opportunities.

The World Down Syndrome Day has been marked with an event organized by the Deborah Foundation at Friendship Park with the theme “About Us with Us”.

President Sahlework Zewde, who delivered an opening remark on the event, said that mental retardness is an underlying social problem that needs due emphasis from all stakeholders.

She pointed out that the society should understand the extent of this problem and provide these vulnerable segments of the community with the necessary opportunities

The Minister of Health, Dr. Lia Tadese, for her part, reaffirmed the commitment of her institution to continue providing better services to citizens living with down syndrome health problems. 

The founder of Deborah Foundation, Abadula Gemeda, said that citizens with intellectual disabilities are just as useful to their country as any other citizen.

Deborah Foundation is committed to finding ways to improve the quality of life for individuals with Down Syndrome by promoting the right to live with health and dignity as valued and full citizens within the society.