300 Children Under 5 Lost to Birth Defects in South-East Asia

Ahead of World Birth Defects Day on March 3, the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the urgent need for stronger health interventions, revealing that approximately 300 children under the age of five die every day in the South-East Asia region due to birth defects. Saima Wazed, WHO's Regional Director for South-East Asia, stated that the contribution of birth defects to child mortality has risen sharply over the past two decades, increasing from 3.9% to 11.5%. Today, birth defects are the third most common cause of death among children under five in the region, accounting for 11% of fatalities.

World Birth Defects Day

World Birth Defects Day (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
World Birth Defects Day

Go to source), observed annually on March 3, aims to raise awareness about congenital anomalies and promote prevention, early detection, and better care for affected individuals. It highlights the need for strong healthcare interventions, including vaccinations, prenatal care, and newborn screening, to reduce birth defect-related mortality and morbidity. The day also encourages global collaboration to improve healthcare policies and support families affected by birth defects.

Beyond mortality, birth defects also contribute to severe morbidity, often overlooked in public health discussions. WHO has urged governments to enhance awareness, improve healthcare responses, and invest in preventive measures to mitigate the impact of congenital anomalies.

¡ Many birth defects are preventable through health system interventions, ¨ Wazed noted. She emphasized the importance of rubella vaccination, managing infections during pregnancy, and addressing environmental factors such as pollution, lifestyle choices, and socioeconomic conditions affecting pregnant women and fetuses.

WHO has called for increased investments in healthcare infrastructure to support early detection and management of birth defects. Expanding newborn screening programs and strengthening birth defect surveillance systems were highlighted as critical steps toward reducing mortality and improving health outcomes.

Wazed also stressed the need for greater investment in women, girls, adolescents, and vulnerable populations to ensure better maternal and child health.

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With birth defects posing a growing challenge, WHO has urged South-East Asian countries to act decisively by prioritizing prevention, early intervention, and comprehensive healthcare strategies to safeguard the lives of thousands of children.

Reference:

1. World Birth Defects Day - (https://www.worldbirthdefectsday.org/)

Source-Medindia