World Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Day celebrated on 7th September

World Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Day is observed on 7th September each year to raise awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The purpose of the day is to support efforts that will improve the quality of life for those who have dystrophinopathies through education, advocacy, and social inclusion. A rare degenerative illness called Duchenne muscular dystrophy makes muscles weaker over time until it affects the entire body. One in five thousand boys are born with the condition. It results from an X-chromosome mutation. First, walking becomes challenging, then other motor functions follow, and finally, breathing and heart function are affected because the heart is also a muscle. Learning and behavioral problems may potentially be a symptom of the condition because the missing protein also has a purpose in the brain. This year’s World Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Day theme is Duchenne: Breaking Barriers.

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India is the nodal body to look after all the development agenda of Persons with Disabilities of the country. With the vision to create awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy among the masses, the Department is observing the World Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Day on 7th September 2023, through the institutions associated with it by conducting various events across the country.

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MG/PD