Today is World Birth Defects Day, a time to shed light on conditions that are among the top causes of neonatal death and childhood disability in the Americas. Despite advancements in healthcare, many families face the challenges of caring for infants with these issues. This year’s theme, “Every journey matters,” highlights the broader impact these conditions have not just on individuals, but on families and communities as well.
Pablo Durán, a Regional Advisor on Perinatal and Neonatal Health at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), discusses the ongoing struggle against birth defects and the effective strategies we can adopt to combat them. He notes that while neonatal mortality rates have improved—from 12.9 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 7.1 in 2023—birth defects still claim over 20,000 newborns annually in the Region. Nearly 22% of infant deaths in the first month are linked to these conditions.
So, why do birth defects remain such a severe issue? The decreasing rates of other causes of neonatal death, like infections and complications during delivery, contrast sharply with stagnant rates of congenital malformations. Solutions to other health challenges have been simpler and more straightforward, such as vaccination and improved prenatal care. In contrast, preventing birth defects requires a more complex approach that spans the entire life cycle, beginning before pregnancy and extending through early childhood. This includes improvements in nutrition, access to healthcare, and environmental factors.
Some birth defects stem from genetic factors, while others are influenced by things like poor nutrition, infections during pregnancy, and environmental hazards. While not all causes are preventable, many can be mitigated through effective public health measures. Folic acid supplementation, for example, has shown to significantly lower the risk of specific birth defects.
Public health interventions play a key role in prevention. Measures like food fortification with folic acid and vaccinations, such as those against rubella, have shown strong results. These efforts, alongside improved surveillance and healthcare systems, are vital in reducing the burden of congenital anomalies. In fact, the PAHO has established a Birth Defects Repository, which collects data from various countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. This tool aids in identifying trends, gaps, and enhances decision-making around resource allocation for healthcare services.
Pablo emphasizes the importance of early detection and comprehensive care. Yet, significant challenges remain. Many regions still face barriers in accessing screenings and specialized care. These disparities can hinder timely interventions for conditions like congenital heart defects, which require rapid action. In response, PAHO is committed to supporting countries through evidence generation, training, and public policy development focused on early detection and care.
The lessons learned from the Zika epidemic also illustrate how critical coordinated surveillance systems are. They enable early detection of unusual rates of birth defects and emphasize the need for integrated clinical care. The epidemic highlighted that preventing birth defects linked to infectious diseases requires a multi-faceted approach—combining scientific, clinical, and community efforts.
This year’s theme reminds us that every child and every family deserves the best care possible. Reducing the impact of birth defects can only be achieved through improved prevention, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive healthcare access. Strong public policies and the dedication to equity and support are essential because every journey truly matters.
