National Birth Defect Awareness Month 2024

On 1st March, 2024, National Birth Defect (NBD) campaign was inaugurated, focusing on prevention, early identification, and management of birth defects.

Campaign Theme: "Breaking Barriers: inclusive support for children with birth defects."
Emphasis on prevention, early identification, and timely management.
Acknowledgment of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana's role in child health.
Recognition of Rashtriya Bal Swashtya Karyakram's impact on child health.
Need to address birth defects to lower child mortality, despite lower mortality ratio compared to other diseases.
Call for increased awareness and coverage for addressing birth defects.
Importance of paediatricians in supporting child health highlighted.
Emphasis on folic acid supplementation for neural tube defects prevention.