March 16, 2026
IPOPI at the 9th Belgian Symposium on Down Syndrome
Johan Prévot, Executive Director of IPOPI, and Dr Nizar Mahlaoui, Chair of IPOPI’s Medical Advisory Panel and paediatrician at Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, recently participated in the 9th Belgian Symposium on Down Syndrome.
The symposium provided an important platform to highlight the experience of the primary immunodeficiency (PID) community. In his keynote lecture, Dr Mahlaoui specifically addressed the critical role of well-structured transition care from paediatric to adult services. Ensuring continuity of care remains a key challenge for individuals living with chronic conditions, including those affected by both Down syndrome and immunological disorders.
The meeting provided great opportunities to discuss and explore the links between Down syndrome and immune system dysfunction / primary immunodeficiencies, an area of growing clinical interest. Further exchanges between experts and stakeholders are warranted to explore the crossovers between Down syndrome and primary immunodeficiencies to improve long-term care pathways for this patient population. IPOPI’s participation reinforced the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing on crossovers between immune deficiencies and related chronic conditions.
