Int'l Dwarfism Awareness Day being observed

The world is celebrating World Dwarfism Day on October 25 (today), aiming to promote awareness of dwarfism and challenge barriers to assert independence and their right to self-determination.  

In countries all around the world, people with dwarfism still face social and physical barriers that can stand in the way of choices and opportunities.   

The National Association of Persons with Physical Disability (NAPWPD) has stressed the need to engage more stakeholders in the campaign to raise awareness on dwarfism, in a bid to reduce cases of stigmatisation, hatred and human rights abuse against them.

The date was chosen as Dwarfism Awareness Day because it was the birthday of Billy Barty who was an American actor who had dwarfism, and in 1957 he set up Little People of America. 

He said it is imperative to engage religious leaders, traditional title holders , corporate organizations, NGO-CSOs, media organizations, women and youth organizations to join the campaign so as to halt some activities related to the violation of human rights affecting persons with dwarfism.

People with dwarfism and organizations around the world that support 'Little People' and their families celebrate October 25 as International Dwarfism Awareness Day.

Interestingly, there are more than 200 different types of dwarfism. 80% of people with dwarfism have average height parents – their dwarfism can be the result of a spontaneous mutation, although some forms of dwarfism may be passed onto children.  

What is Dwarfism?

A person with dwarfism is usually less than 4ft 10in in height. However, dwarfism is not just about height - other medical issues can arise due to dwarfism, such as spinal stenosis, hydrocephalus, arthritis and more.

Achondroplasia is the most common type of dwarfism and the word itself means 'without cartilage formation'.