WHO calls on countries to expand newborn screening for birth defects to improve child survival

Summary

The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging countries to expand newborn screening programs for birth defects, emphasizing that early detection and treatment can save lives and reduce lifelong disabilities. A new WHO report titled "Strengthening capacity for newborn screening, diagnosis and management of birth defects" highlights newborn screening as a critical opportunity to accelerate progress in child survival. Conditions like congenital hypothyroidism, sickle-cell disease, and hearing impairment can be successfully treated if identified early after birth.

Source

Twitter / XWHO calls on countries to expand newborn screening for birth defects to improve child survivalwho.int