LESSON 2.5

Children’s Health: Globally

Congenital Anomalies

  • Worldwide, congenital anomalies occur in 1 in 33 infants
  • Result: 3.2 million children with disabilities due to congenital anomalies
  • Some of these anomalies are preventable through:
    • Avoidance of alcohol use during pregnancy – prevention of fetal alcohol syndrome
    • Vaccination – prevention of rubella associated congenital defects
    • Folic acid supplementation prior to and during pregnancy – prevention of neural tube defects

Avoidance of environmental risks (e.g., mosquito repellant, elimination of pools of stagnant water) – reduce the risk of Zika virus infection during pregnancy resulting in the birth of a microcephalic infant

Source: WHO Child Health, 2015

Children born with congenital anomalies require special health care due to the disabilities associated with these conditions. Access to high quality specialized care can improve the health of a child with congenital anomalies. Importantly, while some congenital anomalies cannot be prevented, there are several that can be prevented. Some examples of global public health initiatives are presented here.