Autism Awareness Day: "I encourage parents to support their autistic children to avoid stigmatization" (Professor Joachim Mukau)

  Since 2007, the United Nations General Assembly has designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. In the DRC, this day—observed for the first time in 2024—was dedicated to the theme, “Multisectoral Governance of Autism: The Role of Governance and Stakeholders.” The Congolese government marked this day with the involvement of partners as well as certain ministries, notably the Ministry of Primary, Secondary, and Technical Education (EPTS); the Ministry of Health; and the Ministry for Persons with Disabilities. On the sidelines of this commemoration, Professor Joachim Mukau, a psychopathologist and founder of the CEIEHMA Center, noted considerable progress made in raising awareness and acceptance of autism in the DRC. “Twenty years later, I am very pleased to see that the management of autism has gradually become a national priority. I commend the government’s involvement and encourage parents of children with autistic behaviors to support them in order to avoid stigmatization, and to guide them toward specialized facilities that can work with the children to improve their social and academic lives,” he said. It should be emphasized that autism is not a disease, but rather a disability whose manifestations are described under the heading of neurodevelopmental disorder. KANAMA MILEMBU CYNTHIA