New Delhi, March 3 (IANS) A large number of deaths due to birth defects in children can be prevented through cost-effective measures within the existing health systems, the WHO said on Tuesday.
"Birth defects are common, costly and critical health challenges globally and particularly in the South-East Asia region which reported 49,000 newborn deaths due to birth defects in 2013," Poonam Khetrapal Singh, regional director for WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, said in a statement.
"But a large number of these deaths can be prevented with cost effective measures through the existing health care systems," she said.
The first World Birth Defects Day is being observed on March 3 this year to put the spotlight on this under-recognised problem.
"On this occasion, WHO urges countries to take measures to prevent as well as minimise the sufferings of children born with birth defects, with timely and appropriate care," the statement said.
The most common birth defects are heart defects, neural tube defects and Down's syndrome, with 94 percent of the severe ones occurring in middle and low resource settings.
Infants who survive with birth defects suffer long-term disability which impairs them, their families and societies due to the social and economic consequences.
"We also need to build awareness among the people, the programme managers and health workers to seek and provide early care for their children born with birth defects. Timely and appropriate care can cure or minimise the effects of birth defects in children," Khetrapal Singh said.
Australia-Singapore Omicron: In Australia's New South Wales city, the first death from the new va
No dispute with Maharashtra, Karnataka assembly resolution on Belagavi may be passed today
The Karnataka Assembly is likely to pass a resolution on Wednesday declaring that the border disp
The success of Gautam Adani, the world's fourth richest businessman, continues. They are making t
K-MAT 2022 Exam: The Commissioner of Entrance Examinations (CEE) Kerala has announced the date fo
For the next two days in Bali, Indonesia, the political temperature of the world will remain high
This new actor enters the Battle of Galwan, will he become an Indian Army officer like Salman Khan?
Earlier this month, superstar Salman Khan announced his upcoming much-talked-about film, Battle o
Buy 3 new OPPO phones from today on Amazon, know the offers and features
Oppo F21 Pro On Amazon: Oppo's recently launched OPPO F21 Pro phone can be bought from Amazon tod
The World Meteorological Organization has warned of a rise in global temperatures. Also said that
Mamata launches Digitised Ration Cards in Bengal
Kolkata, March 17 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamat
BJP MLAs walked out of the House on the second day of the Delhi Assembly session after Deputy Chi
