An NGO called Spina Bifida Foundation recently launched a campaign called 'Go Folic' to promote the necessity of using folic acid supplements by pregnant women to avoid birth defects in children. According to the NGO's founder trustee, Dr Santosh Karmarkar, “Birth defects are responsible for a greater proportion of infant and childhood mortality in India. Also, the number of infants born with genetic disorders and birth defects in India is highest in the world". Truly, the effort couldn't have come sooner.
PM Narendra Modi, in his latest 'Mann ki Baat' stated that around 50,000 mothers and 1.3 million newborns die every year in the country during or immediately after child-birth. According to the national health ministry, India's newborn mortality rate stands at 40 per 1,000 live births (2013). Although the numbers have come down between 1990 and 2013, India still accounts for the highest number of newborn and child deaths in the world, followed by Nigeria, Pakistan, China and Congo. (Read full article - Why are so many children dying in India?)
The estimated birth defects prevalence in India varies from 61 to 69.9/1000 live births (data as of Jun'13). A figure which is much more than an unacceptable statistic, because it speaks not only about our country's children but their ability to live their life completely. Key reasons for this are poverty, malnutrition, poor sanitation facilities, illiteracy and inadequate medical facilities.
The Government has launched many programmes to tackle the issue, some have reached the right people, some have not. India has won in its war against polio. We can conquer this malaise too. What is required is awareness of the issue and participation from every citizen towards making India's children healthy.
The Government has launched many programmes to tackle the issue, some have reached the right people, some have not. India has won in its war against polio. We can conquer this malaise too. What is required is awareness of the issue and participation from every citizen towards making India's children healthy.
Related Links:
Why Tamil Nadu is the best state in India for new mothers - Interesting article on Tamil Nadu's initiatives towards maternal care
CONGENITAL ANOMALIES: A MAJOR PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE IN INDIA - A research paper, 2013
Birth defects in India: Hidden truth, need for urgent attention - Article from Indian Journal of Human Genetics, 2013
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