As the world is increasingly getting worried with the Zika virus which causes microcephaly, here in Malawi, Down’s syndrome could be a new concern.  

This is a genetic disorder which causes intellectual disability, reduced muscle tone leading to floppiness, eyes that slant upwards and outwards, a small mouth with a protruding tongue and a flat back of the head, among others. According to Dr. Matchaya, Down’s syndrome can be identified during pregnancy and can only be prevented by terminating the pregnancy.

Dr Matchaya said women who delay motherhood have contributed to the rise in the number of babies diagnosed with Down's syndrome.

“The main contributing factor to this disease is late mother hood and in some cases early screen on the pregnant mothers also contributes to this since early months in pregnancy are critical in child development” he said.

Matchaya also added that Regular screening for health problems common in Down syndrome is recommended throughout the person’s life.

However, education and proper care can improve quality of life for children with the condition. Screening pregnancies for the abnormality and terminations are some of the ways of preventing the condition.

Some doctors claim many women do not fully understand the risks of having babies after the child-bearing age, with chances of giving birth to a Down's syndrome child 16 times higher for a woman aged 40 than for a 25-year-old one.