WHO raises alarm over birth defects, calls for wider newborn screening

Nigeria records births on new year day – photo for illustration

Early diagnosis can save lives, prevent lifelong disability — Tedros

By Chioma Obinna

The World Health Organisation, (WHO) on Tuesday raised concerns over the growing burden of birth defects globally, calling on countries to expand newborn screening programmes to improve early detection and access to treatment.

WHO in its newly unveiled report highlighted newborn screening as a critical strategy to reduce child mortality and prevent lifelong disabilities caused by congenital conditions.

According to the report, Strengthening Capacity for Newborn Screening, Diagnosis and Management of Birth Defects, an estimated eight million babies are born with birth defects each year, with such conditions now accounting for nearly eight per cent of deaths among children under five worldwide.

The WHO warned that millions of children, especially in low- and middle-income countries, are either diagnosed too late or never receive treatment, despite the fact that many conditions can be effectively managed if detected early.

Conditions such as congenital hypothyroidism, sickle-cell disease, hearing impairment and metabolic disorders can be treated successfully when identified shortly after birth, the report noted.

Speaking on the report, WHO Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus who stressed the need for urgent action, said early diagnosis remains key to giving every child a healthy start in life.

“No child should miss the chance for a healthy future because a congenital condition was not detected early enough. Countries are showing that newborn screening can save lives, prevent disability and give newborns the best opportunity to fulfill their potential.”

The agency said the disparity in screening capacity remains stark, with some countries able to screen newborns for more than 50 conditions, while others are yet to establish any programme.

It noted that birth defects now make up a rising share of child deaths in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, partly due to progress made in reducing deaths from infectious diseases.

To bridge the gap, WHO is urging governments to integrate newborn screening, diagnosis and treatment into routine healthcare and universal health coverage programmes, starting with priority conditions based on their national burden.

The report also highlighted progress in countries such as Uganda, India, Brazil and Philippines, where newborn screening has been successfully integrated into health systems, improving early intervention and long-term care for affected children.