The NITI Aayog has inaugurated the National Birth Defect Awareness Month 2024 in the presence of the Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The theme of this year’s campaign is “Breaking Barriers: inclusive support for children with birth defects.” A press release on this launch was issued on March 1, 2024.
During the launch, Dr. V K Paul emphasized the significance of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, describing it as an aspirational scheme that covers half of India’s health and can play a crucial role in improving child health alongside the existing Rashtriya Bal Swashtya Karyakram (RBSK). He praised the RBSK program for examining 160 crore children and guaranteeing child health.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about birth defects’ prevention, early identification, and timely management. Dr. Paul stressed the need to address birth defects to reduce child mortality and emphasized the importance of the National Birth Defect Awareness Month 2024 in promoting awareness.
Dr. Paul urged students to opt for Pediatrics in postgraduate studies to support and strengthen child health, emphasizing the importance of addressing birth defects to prevent family isolation. He highlighted the efficacy of Folic Acid supplementation, especially for neural tube defects, and emphasized the significance of pre-pregnancy care for women’s health and healthy childbirth.
The Union Health Secretary, emphasized the early identification of birth defects such as clubfoot, hearing impairments, retinal defects, and cleft lips, as they significantly impact a child’s future. He praised the month-long awareness campaign, emphasizing its role in addressing the issue of birth defects.
The campaign, observed every year on March 3rd, aims to raise awareness about all birth defects and improve care and treatment for children. It is part of the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to create nationwide awareness at the community level.
Through initiatives like RBSK, India aims to reduce the burden of disability and ensure the healthy development of children born with birth defects.
