Jakarta (Antara Bali) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's wife First Lady Ani Yudhoyono attended the World Autism Day commemoration, themed "Affection is the key to treat Autism", at the State Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday.
"The theme is in accordance with the First Lady's message that affection toward children with autism should be spread across the society," explained Vice Health Minister Ali Ghufron Mukti during his opening speech.
Ali underlined the importance of preparing each autistic child to be productive in future without facing any stigma or discrimination in the society.
Thus, Ali added that the efforts to create an equal environment for autistic children need cooperation from all sectors, one of which is education.
"The right education for children with autism will ensure their independence in the future," he emphasized.
Ali also appreciated the mothers' contribution in assisting and nurturing their children who have autism.
The First Lady Ani Yudhoyono and Vice President Boediono's wife Herawati Boediono also attended the testimonial hearing by people with autism and their parents.
The World Autism Day in Indonesia was commemorated to raise awareness among the society, on the increasing incidence of autism in the last few years.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), toward the end of the 1990's, there was one case of autism per one thousand children in Indonesia, which has increased to eight cases per thousand children by the end of the 2000's.
World Autism Day was announced by the United Nations and commemorated on April 2, based on the UN General Assembly Resolution in 2008. (WDY)
COPYRIGHT © ANTARA News Bali 2014
"The theme is in accordance with the First Lady's message that affection toward children with autism should be spread across the society," explained Vice Health Minister Ali Ghufron Mukti during his opening speech.
Ali underlined the importance of preparing each autistic child to be productive in future without facing any stigma or discrimination in the society.
Thus, Ali added that the efforts to create an equal environment for autistic children need cooperation from all sectors, one of which is education.
"The right education for children with autism will ensure their independence in the future," he emphasized.
Ali also appreciated the mothers' contribution in assisting and nurturing their children who have autism.
The First Lady Ani Yudhoyono and Vice President Boediono's wife Herawati Boediono also attended the testimonial hearing by people with autism and their parents.
The World Autism Day in Indonesia was commemorated to raise awareness among the society, on the increasing incidence of autism in the last few years.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), toward the end of the 1990's, there was one case of autism per one thousand children in Indonesia, which has increased to eight cases per thousand children by the end of the 2000's.
World Autism Day was announced by the United Nations and commemorated on April 2, based on the UN General Assembly Resolution in 2008. (WDY)
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COPYRIGHT © ANTARA News Bali 2014