Congenital defects (CDs) are the second leading cause of neonatal mortality and a very important cause of disease and disability.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, there are more than 15 million births every year. According to estimates published in 2018, approximately 15 out of every 1,000 will be at risk of dying before their first birthday and 10 in 1,000 before their first month of life.
One in 5 of the deaths occurring within the first 28 days of life is due to some CD.
Overall, the proportional mortality due to CD relative to other diseases is increasing over time in most countries. The World Health Organization encourages countries to prevent CDs by promoting the implementation of screening programs and providing ongoing support and care for children with CDs and their families.
WHO suggests primary prevention and health care of children with CD through:
• the development and strengthening of registry and surveillance systems
• the development of specialized expertise and capacity building
• the strengthening of research and studies on the etiology, diagnosis, and prevention of CDs.
• the promotion of international cooperation.
The international community has made progress implementing CD-specific actions, primarily aimed at reducing their impact. One example is the establishment of World Birth Defects Day (March 3), dedicated to informing professionals and society about actions for the prevention and promotion of neonatal health, as well as raising awareness about the importance of implementing surveillance actions in the health and government sectors.
