World Birth Defects Day 2019

March 3 is World Birth Defects Day #WorldBDDay

  1. Birth defects are common, costly, and critical.
  2. Every year, about 8 million babies worldwide are born with a serious birth defect, and about 3 million of them will die before their fifth birthday.
  3. Worldwide, all countries and their populations are affected by birth defects, but the toll is particularly harsh in low- and middle-income countries.
    • Click here to learn more about the global distribution of birth defects.
  4. Birth defects are a major cause of child mortality.
  5. Those who survive with birth defects may face a lifetime of disability. These children and adults need access to healthcare services to improve their quality of life.
  6. Many birth defects can be prevented by taking appropriate measures before and during pregnancy.
    • Click here to learn more about healthy choices to help prevent birth defects.
  7. Appropriate treatment and care can help many people with birth defects reach their full potential in life.
  8. There is a need to establish national surveillance systems to get accurate and up-to-date national, regional and global estimates of birth defects.
  9. There are still many questions about the causes of birth defects. We need more research to find the unknown causes of birth defects and ways to better prevent and treat them.
  10. Find out more at http://www.worldbirthdefectsday.org/