Every year an estimated 8 million children, about 6 percent of total births worldwide, are born with a serious birth defect of genetic or partially genetic origin, according to a new report released today from the March of Dimes.
Additionally, hundreds of thousands more are born with serious birth defects of post-conception origin due to maternal exposure to environmental agents, such as alcohol, rubella and syphilis, says the March of Dimes Global Report on Birth Defects: The Hidden Toll of Dying and Disabled Children.
The report reveals that at least 3.3 million children less than 5 years of age die annually
because of serious birth defects, defined as any serious abnormality of structure or function. An estimated 3.2 million of those who survive may be mentally and physically disabled for life.
Birth defects are a global problem, but their impact is particularly severe in middle- and low-income countries where more than 94 percent of births with serious defects and 95 percent of the deaths of these children occur, the report finds. Both high prevalence rates and larger numbers of births contribute to the differences between low- and middle-income countries and those with higher incomes.
"Our report identifies for the first time the severe, and previously hidden global toll of birth defects," explains Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, President of the March of Dimes. "This is a serious, vastly unappreciated and under-funded public health problem."
The report recommends first steps for low-income countries with high rates of infant mortality that are consistent with the established maternal and child health programs.
These include:
Educate the community, health professionals and workers, policy makers, the media and other stakeholders about the toll taken by birth defects and opportunities for effective prevention, treatment and care.
Ensure a healthy, balanced diet during a woman's reproductive years.
Control infections in pregnant women.
Train physicians, nurses, allied health professionals and workers in the recognition and care of children with birth defects.
Establish national capacity for birth defects surveillance and monitoring.
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth.
By Yong Tang, People's Daily Online Washington-based correspondent
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