PHOTO // World Down Syndrome Day. Prime Minister joined campaign Not All Flowers Grow the Same

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu has joined a campaign organized by the public association Prietena Mea, Not All Flowers Grow the Same. The initiative is held in the context of World Down Syndrome Day.

He emphasized that inclusion means real opportunities for every child and adult to participate actively in society and to follow their own path.


“In nature, diversity is neither explained nor corrected – it is accepted. Every flower has its own rhythm, its own need for light, time and space. Some bloom earlier, others later, but all find their place in the same garden. I gladly joined Prietena mea’s campaign ‘Not All Flowers Grow the Same’. And the flower pot I received from the children is a sincere expression of how they see the world: with openness, without labels, with respect for every difference. Inclusion means real opportunities for every child and adult to participate actively in society and to follow their own path,” said Munteanu.


The official noted that the Government supports persons with disabilities through social benefits, allowances, and compensations, as well as through the development of essential social services such as personal assistance, day centers, “respiro” services, and mobile teams that provide direct support in the community and at home.


“We know that we must strengthen these measures and develop policies that ensure more real support and inclusion, so that every person has the chance to realize their potential. A strong society is one that accepts its diversity and turns it into value,” stated Munteanu.


Additionally, the Government House is currently hosting a photo exhibition featuring children with Down syndrome, organized by Prietenamea, which promotes inclusion and children’s rights. The exhibition is part of the campaign “Not All Flowers Grow the Same” and brings diversity to the forefront as a natural and valuable reality of the community.

Down syndrome is not a disease, but a permanent genetic change characterized by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. The World Health Organization reports that, globally, one in a thousand newborns is diagnosed with this genetic variation.

In the Republic of Moldova, Down syndrome can be identified prenatally through specific investigations, such as biochemical screening (double test, triple test), carried out on the recommendation of a doctor. In addition, children with Down syndrome benefit from psycho-verbal and motor rehabilitation services in specialized institutions such as the Mother and Child Institute, the Republican Rehabilitation Center for Children, Municipal Clinical Hospital No. 1, and family doctors’ centers with rehabilitation specialists.

After reaching the age of 18, people with Down syndrome benefit from: multidisciplinary assessment and specialist medical consultation, physiotherapy sessions, hydrokinetotherapy and occupational therapy, sessions with a psychologist, speech therapist, psycho-pedagogue, social assistance, and behavioral therapies.

Globally, there are more than 50 million people with Down syndrome. About 50 of them are born each year in the Republic of Moldova.