Birth Defects Now Account for Nearly 8% of Under-Five Deaths, WHO Warns
Millions of children worldwide are missing out on life-saving diagnoses and treatment because they are not screened for birth defects soon after birth, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.
In a new report released on Thursday, WHO called on countries to expand newborn screening programmes, saying early detection and treatment of congenital conditions can save lives, prevent disability, and improve long-term health outcomes for millions of children.
The report, titled Strengthening Capacity for Newborn Screening, Diagnosis and Management of Birth Defects, identifies newborn screening as a critical tool for accelerating progress in child survival, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to screening and treatment remains limited.
According to WHO, an estimated eight million babies are born with a birth defect every year, and such conditions now account for nearly 8 percent of all deaths among children under five globally. Around 90 percent of children born with serious birth defects live in low- and middle-income countries.
Many congenital conditions, including congenital hypothyroidism, sickle-cell disease, hearing impairment and certain metabolic disorders, can be successfully treated if detected shortly after birth. However, millions of children are either diagnosed too late or never receive treatment at all.
“No child should miss the chance for a healthy future because a congenital condition was not detected early enough,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO.
“Around the world, countries are showing that newborn screening for one or more conditions can save lives, prevent disability, and give a newborn the best opportunity to fulfil his or her potential,” he added.
The report highlights significant disparities in access to newborn screening services. While some countries routinely screen newborns for more than 50 conditions, others are unable to provide screening for any condition at all.
WHO is encouraging all countries to begin screening programmes by prioritizing one or more conditions that are most relevant to their context and gradually expanding coverage as health system capacity grows.
The report also points to a growing burden of birth defects among child deaths. Between 2000 and 2023, the proportion of under-five deaths linked to birth defects rose from 1 percent to 4 percent in sub-Saharan Africa and from 3 percent to 11 percent in South Asia.
WHO noted that part of this increase reflects progress in reducing deaths from infectious diseases and other preventable causes, making congenital conditions a more prominent contributor to child mortality.
WHO is urging governments to integrate newborn screening, diagnosis and treatment into routine health services and universal health coverage programmes. The organization recommends prioritizing conditions that can be effectively detected and managed within existing health systems.
Health experts say expanding newborn screening could play a crucial role in reducing preventable child deaths and ensuring that more children receive timely care, giving them a better chance to live healthy and productive lives.
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