Physical Health Pakistan Project #48389

Healthcare for children with Down syndrome

by Karachi Down Syndrome Program

Healthcare for children with Down syndrome

Project Report | Aug 16, 2021
Healthcare & COVID-19

By Rabeea Yousuf | Assistant Manager Fundraising & Donor Relations

Our very own Hameedullah.

Dear Supporters,

With the onset of COVID-19, it had become increasingly clear that certain groups were at higher risk of severe illness if they became infected with the virus. Individuals with Down syndrome are a vulnerable population as it is and are therefore required to take extra safety precautions. According to The Annals of Internal Medicine, a large study in the United Kingdom, people with Down syndrome who get COVID-19 are four times more likely to be hospitalized—and ten times more likely to lose their life.

To facilitate the children during this time, KDSP partnered with an online medical store ‘Dawaai’ to offer discounted medicines, tests and consultations to them and their families. Dawaai being an innovative pharmacy-led healthcare group aims to provide integrated pharmacy services with convenience and quality.

Mother of Fatimeh availed Dawaai’s service and was very pleased with her experience. She gave her feeback in the following words, "The partnership with Dawaai was a great initiative by KDSP. The service was quick without any missing items which often happens with online purchases. They have incredible discounts and some ongoing exciting lucky draw schemes with fun prizes. My daughter and I have our fingers crossed as we are placing another order and hoping to win some prizes!"

The health and well-being of children with Down syndrome has always been KDSP’s top priority, increasingly more considering the situation at hand. KDSP’s partnership with the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has proved to be highly advantageous in terms of support and cooperation, with the following highlights for the past quarter:

26 children benefited from referrals KDSP made to the Down syndrome clinic at AKUH where they were able to receive appropriate medical advice from renowned specialists
6 children benefitted from sponsored consultations at AKUH through the donations made to KDSP
11 families benefitted from the free Behavior Therapy training for parents of individuals with Down syndrome conducted by Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH).
12 individuals benefitted from life-saving and enhancing surgeries and medical procedures e.g. cardiac and intestine obstruction surgeries.

Mother of Usman expressed, "I felt at ease finding out that my son's consultation at AKUH was free of cost, thanks to the AKUH-KDSP partnership. It's a relief knowing that KDSP will always be supportive wherever my child's health is concerned".

Moreover, a Pediatric Cardiology Clinic was also hosted by KDSP in June that conducted clinical screenings of 15 children with Down syndrome along with counselling for parents regarding congenital heart diseases.

Thank you for all the generous support you have extended towards providing affordable, quality healthcare to children with Down syndrome. We look forward to your continuous support in helping children with Down syndrome lead healthy and fulfilling lives!

Love,

Team KDSP

Consultation with Developmental Pediatrician

Consultation with Pediatric Cardiologist at KDSP

Links:

People with Down Syndrome Are at Increased Risk of COVID-19

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Apr 19, 2021
Accessing in-person quality healthcare mid-Covid

By Zaynab Abedin Jawad | Manager Fundraising & Donor Relations

Dear Supporters,

With the onset of COVID-19, physically accessing quality healthcare for children with Down syndrome became challenging. However in this very quarter, we were able to see our many of our children access quality healthcare services in-person, thanks to your support. Specifically, the major highlights include:

66 children benefited from referrals KDSP made to the Down syndrome Clinic at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) where they were able to receive appropriate medical advice from renowned specialists
6 children’s medical tests were facilitated at AKUH through KDSP’s referral
3 children’s life-saving procedures were performed at AKUH, facilitated through KDSP
15 children benefited from the Developmental Pediatrics Consulting Clinics at KDSP led by Dr. Sidra, a renowned Developmental Pediatrician.

Some stories from the field

Yourasha is a 1.8 year old child with Down syndrome whose parents are daily wage earners and recently arrived at KDSP with their daughter concerned about her physical health. Through KDSP’s guidance, they received a chance to consult Dr. Salman at AKUH for a special free of cost appointment that is available for all families who come to KDSP for the first time and have not had any medical screening done prior. Dr. Salman was able to guide the parents about Yourasha’s condition and recommend visits to other specialists. Her mother shares, “The services that we received from AKUH were excellent. Dr. Salman and Dr. Babar were very understanding and listened to our concerns carefully. Thank you KDSP for showing us the way to the best healthcare providers!”

Mannat is a 2.5 year old child with Down syndrome who has recurring pneumonia and needs regular check-ups at AKUH to make sure her lungs are working well as they should. KDSP has supported her treatment at AKUH and she gets to avail the reduction in consulting fees with all consultants who are part of the Down Syndrome Clinic panel. In the words of her mother, “Thank you! We greatly appreciate KDSP’s services and Mannat is doing great now, thanks to AKUH and KDSP’s support.”

Ali is a 5 year old boy with Down syndrome who has had several visits to AKUH recently because of his ill health. He appears to have complexities in his heart and lungs for which he has had consultations with specialists at AKUH as well as tests such as an Echocardiogram and BEP which have been sponsored by KDSP. The child is now in a stable condition with medicines and has even started coming in for early therapies (physical, occupational, speech) to KDSP. His father shares “All appointments were very smooth and we saved a lot of precious time. The doctors were great and extremely helpful with their guidance. Much appreciation for KDSP and its partner organizations.”

Sarim is a child associated with KDSP who came over to have his checkup done by Dr. Sidra. His mother shares, “Thank you KDSP for being extremely supportive. Sarim is doing better after being examined by Dr. Sidra and taking the medicines that she prescribed him.”

Love,

Team KDSP

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