World Birth Defects Day (WBDD), observed on March 3 each year, unites people and organizations working in the field of birth defects, also known as congenital anomalies, congenital disorders or congenital conditions. There are many types of birth defects and this day recognizes our collective voice in raising awareness for all birth defects (#ManyBirthDefects1Voice).
- To learn more, go to “Why a World Birth Defects Day” movement.
- To join as a 2022 WBDD partner, go to “Join the WBDD” movement.
- As a partner, see how you can participate this year: Toolkit for WBDD 2022
Birth Defects (BD) are an emerging cause of under-five morbidity and mortality in the South East Asia region. Prevention and control of birth defects will augment the reduction of neonatal and child mortality and accelerate progress towards SDG-3.
WHO SEARO has prepared a regional strategic framework for the prevention and control of birth defects and is assisting countries to develop national plans for prevention and care of birth defects including birth defects surveillance with the support of CDC Atlanta. An online birth defects surveillance network (SEAR-NBBD) has been established which is collecting and analyzing data on birth defects and stillbirths since July 2014. More than 150 hospitals from 7 countries are consistently reporting data to the online system. By end of 2021, more than 4.0 million births have been reported with more than 45,000 babies born with birth defects. The progress made in our Region has been widely acknowledged.
The World Birth Defects Day every year provides an opportunity to advocate for increased economic, political, and intellectual support to improve birth defects surveillance, prevention, care, and research by global communities and countries.