Trisomy 21: AMAETRI calls for an end to families' isolation

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Extract from the article: In the run-up to World Down Syndrome Day, celebrated every 21 March, the Association of Mothers and Friends of Children with Down Syndrome (AMAETRI) hosted a conference-debate on the theme ‘Together against loneliness’ on 10 March 2026 in Lomé....

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In the run-up to World Down Syndrome Day, celebrated every 21 March, the Association of Mothers and Friends of Children with Down Syndrome (AMAETRI) hosted a conference-debate on the theme ‘Together against loneliness’ on 10 March 2026 in Lomé. This meeting provided an opportunity to present the association's activities planned for 2026 and to raise public awareness of the situation of children living with trisomy 21 and their families.

According to international estimates, Down syndrome affects approximately one in every 1,000 to 1,100 births worldwide. Despite advances in the medical and social fields, several challenges remain, including early diagnosis, access to appropriate care, and the effective inclusion of affected individuals in society.

Speaking on behalf of the World Health Organisation (WHO) resident representative in Togo, Éric Assigbley praised the ongoing efforts of AMAETRI and its partners to promote the rights and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. "Down syndrome is still too often associated with prejudice and stigma. However, it is a genetic variation that should in no way prevent a person from leading a fulfilling life," he stressed.

As patron of the association, Ms Krystel Dicoh expressed her personal commitment to supporting children with Down syndrome. ‘I didn't choose to be a patron. It was these children and the association that adopted me. It is a commitment from the heart to carry their message and defend their cause,’ she said. She also pointed out that 21 March will be a day of celebration for the children, but also an opportunity to raise awareness among the population about accepting difference.

The president of AMAETRI, Ms Agbassi Tatchein, took advantage of the meeting to present the main activities planned as part of this commemoration. After a media awareness campaign, the association plans to organise a parade through the streets of Lomé on 21 March to offer children with Down syndrome a moment of discovery and sharing.

‘Many of these children are still confined to their homes because of prejudice. We want to enable them to go out, discover the city and enjoy moments of joy with their parents,’ she explained.

Beyond these awareness-raising activities, AMAETRI also has longer-term ambitions. The association wants to set up a national database to better identify children with Down syndrome in Togo. It also plans to create a specialised centre to provide them with support and promote their independence and social integration.

Professor Agbeko Foli Yvon, a paediatrician at the Lomé University Hospital Campus, provided scientific insight into Down syndrome. He explained that this condition results from the presence of an extra chromosome on pair 21, which causes certain physical and cognitive characteristics.

The specialist emphasised the importance of comprehensive care involving various professionals. ‘These children need love, guidance and multidisciplinary support involving paediatricians, psychologists and educators,’ he explained.

Through the activities planned for World Down Syndrome Day, AMAETRI hopes to raise awareness and encourage Togolese society to adopt a more inclusive and caring attitude towards children with Down syndrome and their families.

Raymond DZAKPATA