World Down Syndrome Day Timeline

1990

AFRT is Created

AFRT—the French Association for Research on Trisomy 21—is founded in order to support research for Down Syndrome.

2005

A Date is Chosen

This year marks not only the first meeting held by AFRT, but also the year that March 21 is recognized as a symbolic day to represent Down Syndrome.

2007

WHO Recognizes the Day

The World Health Organization acknowledges March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day.

2011

The UN Follows Suit

The United Nations supports WHO’s acknowledgement of March 21 and also recognizes this date as World Down Syndrome Day.

2012

World Down Syndrome Day First Celebrated

This year marks the first year that World Down Syndrome Day is to be celebrated annually on March 21.