On World Down Syndrome Day, the Barbados Down Syndrome Association says the lack of accurate data on local Down syndrome cases is a worrying challenge.
President Asha Alleyne-Renwick raised the concern as the association held its “Rock Your Socks” event, at Lifelong Skills Training in Fairfield, St. Michael.
Alleyne-Renwick revealed that while the association estimates approximately four to five births of children with Down syndrome annually, precise figures remain unknown due to significant gaps in current data collection practices.
She said the absence of reliable statistics hampers the association’s ability to effectively serve the Down syndrome community.
“Without accurate numbers, we are limited in our capacity to plan, resource, and implement programmes that truly address the needs of individuals with Down syndrome,” Alleyne-Renwick said.
She called for a concerted effort to enhance data collection, advocating for closer collaboration between hospitals and government agencies.
The association believes that improved data will help it to refine existing programmes, expand the resources available to families, and create more targeted support systems. (LG)
