Birth defect

"An estimated 240,000 newborns die worldwide within 28 days of birth every year due to birth defects. Birth defects cause a further 170 000 deaths of children between the ages of 1 month and 5 years."

"Birth defects can contribute to long-term disability, which takes a significant toll on individuals, families, health care systems and societies."

"Nine of ten children born with a serious birth defect are in low- and middle-income countries."

"As neonatal and under-5 mortality rates decline, birth defects become a larger proportion of the cause of neonatal and under-5 deaths."

"The most common severe birth defects are heart defects, neural tube defects and Down syndrome."

"Although birth defects may be the result of one or more genetic, infectious, nutritional or environmental factors, it is often difficult to identify the exact causes."

"Some birth defects can be prevented. Vaccination, adequate intake of folic acid or iodine through fortification of staple foods or supplementation, and adequate care before and during a pregnancy are examples of prevention methods."