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Down syndrome on a small Caribbean island: an uphill battle to obtain services and care for affected individuals
Author(s) -
Nelson Beverly,
LanzaPerea Marta,
Brathwaite Jozan,
Hyacinth Tonya,
AudainMiller Allison,
Pierre Anne,
Sobering Andrew K.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
american journal of medical genetics part c: seminars in medical genetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.419
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1552-4876
pISSN - 1552-4868
DOI - 10.1002/ajmg.c.31858
Subject(s) - battle , specialty , caribbean region , product (mathematics) , medicine , family medicine , economic growth , geography , political science , latin americans , economics , geometry , mathematics , archaeology , law
Most of the geographically isolated island nations in the Caribbean have small populations and low gross national product. As such, many lack important medical and community services. Difficulties are compounded when attempting to care for children with special needs and genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. International charitable organizations can help to provide much needed specialty medical care. Community associations can encourage local relationship building and education. Collaborative efforts with well‐funded laboratories can help to deliver molecular characterization for individuals who have genetic disorders. With community and volunteer effort, a higher standard of care is obtainable in underserved communities.