Thread by @WHO

Today is World #BirthDefects Day
Most birth defects can be prevented and treated with access to quality maternal and newborn care services. Yet, close to 300000 newborns 👶 die within 4 weeks of birth every year due to birth defects.

👉 bit.ly/2IViHo6

It's World #BirthDefects Day

The most common birth defects are:
🔸Congenital heart defects
🔸Neural tube defects
🔸Down syndrome
🔸Hemoglobin disorders (thalassemia and sickle cell disease)
🔸G6PD deficiency (Glucose -6-phosphate dehydrogenase)

👉bit.ly/2IViHo6

When a baby is born with #BirthDefects, receiving the right care as soon as possible gives them the best chance at life. This care can include:
🔸 Detection
🔸 Safe transport
🔸 Referral to specialized care
🔸 Paediatric surgery
🔸 Follow-up
🔸 Rehabilitation and support

Staying healthy before & during pregnancy is 🔑 to preventing #BirthDefects, incl.:
☑ Balanced diet & folic acid
☑ Antenatal care visits & ultrasound screening
☑ Exercising regularly
☑ Avoiding 🍷, 🚬 & drugs
☑ Protection from infections like Zika, syphilis, rubella

To help prevent certain #BirthDefects, all women should take a folic acid supplement (400 µg/day) from the moment they begin trying to conceive until 12 weeks of pregnancy.

👉 bit.ly/2IViHo6

To prevent and detect #BirthDefects, WHO recommends antenatal care that includes a minimum of 8 contacts with health professionals throughout pregnancy to identify and manage risks.

👉 bit.ly/2A0gujJ

#Rubella infection early in pregnancy can lead to congenital rubella syndrome – a condition that includes severe #BirthDefects and lifelong disability:
Rubella can be prevented through vaccination

#VaccinesWork

Around the world, WHO supports countries to strengthen #BirthDefects detection, prevention & treatment - incl.:
•surveillance of birth defects
•quality care during pregnancy & childbirth
•timely detection & management
•access to follow-up, rehabilitation & support services