Birth defects account for up to 21% of deaths in children aged under 5 in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The Zika virus epidemic highlighted the importance of strengthening surveillance and timely response to congenital defects as a regional priority. This requires the participation of all actors, including policy makers, health care teams, communities and other organizations.
According to the International Conference on Birth Defects and Disabilities in the Developing World (ICBD), key actions to maximize surveillance, prevention and care of birth defects in Latin America and the Caribbean include: Improving surveillance; reducing risks for birth defects; fortifying staple foods; preventing and treating infections associated with birth defects; implementing newborn screening; providing care and services for people with birth defects and disabilities; involving governments, civil society, and international agencies; and advancing research for birth defects.
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