More than 8 million babies worldwide are born each year with a serious birth defect, according to World Health Organisation (WHO).
Birth defects are a leading cause of death in the first year of life, and babies who survive may be physically or mentally disabled, taking a costly toll on their families, communities and nations. World Birth Defects Day is observed every year on March 3 to raise awareness of the serious global problem and advocate for more surveillance, prevention, care and research to help babies and children.
The most number of child deaths in Maldives are due to birth defects, according to statistics released by Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). Citing the statistics, IGMH said with more than 4,800 children born in Maldives every year, about 227 children are born with defects. Maldives has been exerting major efforts to minimise the number of birth defects. IGMH revealed that the hospital is working to bring machinery and equipment needed to detect birth defects during pregnancy.
Maldives in its efforts to reach the target, has launched the National Protocol for Screening of Critical Congenital Heart Disease in Newborns by Pulse Oximetry. The national protocol was launched by Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim at the official event held to mark World Birth Defects Day.
Folic acid during pregnancy is important as it prevents some birth defects, Consultant Pediatrician at IGMH Dr. Ahmed Faisal said stressing on the importance of using folic acids early in the pregnancy, adding that exercise and healthy foods are as important.
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Importing folic acid fortified staple foods to the country, can help prevent a lot of birth defect cases adding that there are many opportunities for Maldives, WHO representative to Maldives Dr. Arvind Mathur said speaking at the ceremony. Prevention and surveillance of birth defects can be sustainably integrated, noted the WHO Representative, highlighting that comprehensive and cohesive action is needed to tackle birth defects especially through preconception care for pregnancy planning.
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Doctors from all over the world recommend to avoid smoking and to choose a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy to prevent birth defects. The government of Maldives with all relevant authorities is working to minimise the number of child deaths. Doctors urge all relevant authorities to work together to achieve the target.