National Birth Defect Awareness Month

National Birth Defect Awareness Month is an initiative in raising awareness for all birth defects and improve the care and treatment for children. The month-long activities are planned under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram of Child Health division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) for creating nationwide awareness at community level. 

This campaign is an effort for observing Birth defect day, which is observed on 3rd of March every year.

Birth defects in India

India has witnessed a significant reduction in the child mortality since inception of National Health Mission. Presently the Neonatal mortality rate is 20 per 1000 live births, Infant mortality rate is 28 per 1000 live births and Under 5 mortality rate is 32 per 1000 live births as per Sample Registration System 2020 Report. Birth defects contribute significantly to perinatal, neonatal and under five morbidity and mortality.

Six percent of children are born with Birth Defects every year worldwide. As per Cause of Death Statistics 2017-19 report of Sample Registration System under Registrar General of India, Birth Defect contributes to 4.9% defects of neonatal mortality and 5.7% of U5MR mortality. Hence, it is imperative that we address this significant issue to improve the survival and health outcome of our children.

Defects at Birth

• Neural tube defect
• Down’s Syndrome
• Cleft Lip & Palate / Cleft palate alone#
• Talipes (club foot)
• Developmental dysplasia of the hip
• Congenital cataract
• Congenital deafness
• Congenital heart diseases
• Retinopathy of Prematurity

Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)

Being aware of the impact of Birth Defects on our future generation, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India is giving utmost priority to strategies for their identification, prevention and management under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK). Early identification with assured linkage to care, support and treatment introduces equitable child health care approach, which in the end will reduce the burden of disability, improve health and ensure development of children born with Birth Defects.

RBSK focuses on early identification and management of birth defects to minimize disability. To achieve this objective, the program screens the children at four different levels

• Comprehensive New born screening at Delivery points
• Screening for visible birth defects in New born by ASHA during home visitation
• Children (6 weeks to 6 years) bi-annually screening at Anganwadis
• Children (6 years to 18 years) screening at Government and Government aided schools once a year

National Birth Defect Awareness Month 2024

The theme of this National Birth Defect Awareness Month 2024 is “Breaking Barriers: inclusive support for children with birth defects”. The birth defects awareness campaign would be focusing on the awareness about prevention, early identification and timely management.

Source : RBSK