NITI Aayog Member Dr V K Paul today launched the National Birth Defects Awareness Month 2024 at a function in New Delhi. The theme of National Birth Defect Awareness Month 2024 is “Breaking barriers: inclusive support for children with birth defects”. Under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram of the Health Ministry, various activities for nationwide awareness of birth defect prevention, early identification, timely management, and psychosocial impact will take place throughout the month. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Paul said many children have defects from birth and timely intervention can protect them.
On the occasion, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra emphasized the pivotal role that Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram plays in ensuring that every child has access to preventive healthcare, leaving no one behind. He said the children with birth defects will be screened during the entire month. He urged states to take part in this awareness campaign to provide a better future for the children.
Representative of the World Health Organisation WHO in India Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin commended the Government of India for its notable initiatives aimed at addressing birth defects, including the Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign, fortification of staple food, antenatal screening of diabetes, and the national newborn screening programme.
