On World Birth Defects Day, marked on March 3, 2026, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) called for stronger public policies and resilient health systems to address birth defects, which remain one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality and childhood disability in the Americas. Although overall neonatal mortality in the region has declined significantly over the past two decades, deaths linked to congenital anomalies have not decreased at the same rate. More than 20,000 newborns die each year from birth defects in the region, accounting for nearly 22 percent of deaths in the first month of life.
PAHO emphasizes that while progress has been made in tackling infections, childbirth complications, and other preventable causes, addressing birth defects requires more complex and sustained interventions across the life course. Prevention and care must begin before conception and continue through pregnancy and after birth, integrating nutrition, vaccination, infection prevention, environmental protection, and access to specialized health services. Persistent inequalities in access to early diagnosis, surveillance, and treatment continue to widen the gap in outcomes across countries and communities.
Many birth defects stem from multiple causes, including genetic factors, nutritional deficiencies such as lack of folic acid, infections during pregnancy like rubella and Zika, and environmental exposures. Although not all conditions are preventable, evidence shows that public health measures such as folic acid food fortification and rubella vaccination significantly reduce certain congenital anomalies. Strengthening primary health care, particularly preconception and prenatal services, is considered essential for early intervention and risk reduction.
PAHO has also reinforced regional surveillance efforts through the Birth Defects Repository for the Americas, which consolidates data from national monitoring systems across Latin America and the Caribbean. Improved data collection and comparability help governments allocate resources more effectively, identify trends, and design targeted interventions, particularly for treatable conditions such as congenital heart defects and certain metabolic disorders.
Lessons from the 2016–2017 Zika epidemic further underscored the importance of coordinated surveillance, early detection, and long-term follow-up of affected children. The outbreak demonstrated the need for integrated approaches combining epidemiological monitoring, laboratory testing, clinical care, and community engagement to respond quickly to emerging risks.
Despite advances, challenges remain in expanding neonatal screening coverage and ensuring equitable access to specialized care, particularly in underserved and remote areas. Social, economic, and geographic disparities continue to affect timely diagnosis and continuity of treatment. PAHO advocates for a comprehensive, equity-based, and non-stigmatizing approach that integrates prevention, early detection, specialized treatment, and sustained family support.
Under this year’s theme, “Every journey matters,” PAHO stresses that behind every diagnosis is a child and a family whose life trajectory depends on strong health systems and inclusive policies. Reducing the burden of birth defects requires sustained commitment, improved prevention strategies, and coordinated action to ensure that every child has access to quality care and the opportunity to thrive.
