In Malta, a baby with one or more major birth defects is born every 3 days. Birth defects are a main cause of infant mortality. Between 2003 and 2012, birth defects led to 104 infant deaths, accounting for 43.5% of all infant deaths in Malta. Among those children who survive, several may suffer lifelong disabilities.

Today, 3 March, marks the first World Birth Defects Day. This Day, the aim behind which is to raise awareness on birth defects and help people understand the issues families and their affected children go through, is being supported wholesomely by the Malta Congenital Anomalies Registry.

Most birth defects occur in the first stages of pregnancy, or even earlier. Hence, this is why pre-conception health and care is a critical tool for primary prevention. Some birth defects are preventable and parents-to-be can benefit from pre-conception care to prevent birth defects. Taking folic acid supplements at the right time is a great primary prevention and a public health success. It is also known that, modifying certain risk factors such as maternal diabetes, obesity, unhealthy nutrition, smoking and alcohol can decrease the occurrence of birth defects.

On the occasion of the first World Birth Defects Day, a fact sheet has being released by the Malta Congenital Anomalies Registry. This can be accessed on: https://ehealth.gov.mt/HealthPortal/chief_medical_officer/healthinfor_research/intro2.aspx