Dear Friends and Colleaque,

 

INVITING YOU TO JOIN US TO COMMEMORATE WORLD BIRTH DEFECT DAY: 3RD MARCH, 2016.

 

The Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalous care foundation (SBH) is a Non-profit organization that promotes the advancement of maternal and child health with mission to end preventable child death and birth defects. The goals include improving the quality of life of children with birth defects through advocacy, public education, capacity building, preconception care and support programs, treatment and surgeries, legal and policy influence, surveillance and research.

 

Birth Defects, also known as Congenital anomalies, are structural or functional abnormalities, including metabolic disorders, which are present from birth.  Birth defects have been recognized as a global public health concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that globally, 10% of all neonatal deaths are caused by birth defects.

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 3.2 million birth defect related disabilities and an estimated 276,000 newborn deaths occur every year. Among the most common and severe of these birth defects are neural tube defects (NTD), a group of serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. Globally it is estimated that 300,000 neonates are born with NTD annually. For those who survive, there is often the need for lifelong medical, surgical and rehabilitation care. It has been shown that intake of folic acid prior and during the early stages of pregnancy, prevents the occurrence and reoccurrence of a majority of NTDs. 

 

In Nigeria, public health intervention such as food fortification programs with provisions for daily or intermittent folic acid supplementation for women of reproductive age remain a major challenge; hence, we call for change. To achieve Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goal 3,4,6,8,10,11 and 17, absolute  attention must be paid to birth defects . 

 

In recognizing the burden of birth defects, the World Health Assembly in 2010 passed a resolution urging member states, among other steps, to raise awareness about the importance of birth defects. All stakeholders, including individuals with birth defects and their families, the public, governments, non-governmental and civil society organizations, policymakers, researchers, and health care providers around the world, are encouraged to make March 3, 2016 a truly inclusive and wide-reaching national and global awareness event.

 

March 3, 2016 marks the second annual World Birth Defects Day (WBDD), which provides a platform to advocate for increased economic, political, and intellectual support for  birth defects surveillance, prevention, support for the affected individual and families.

Goal:

To create changes in the public understanding and improve investment on birth defects through a collective effort, political-will and capacity building. 

 

Objectives: 

• Promote Public awareness and understanding of birth defects through workshop and press conference. 

• Create synergy with Federal Government and Partners on birth defect. 

• Promote prevention, build consensus on care, support and birth defects surveillance.

 

Target Audience:  

• Law Enforcement Agencies: Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Armed Forces, Nigeria Air Force and the public 

• Media Health Correspondence

• Ministry of Justice and her Agencies 

• Religious Leaders

• Social Workers and National Youth Council 

• Market Women Association and National Union of Road Transport Authority.

 

Activities: 

• WORKSHOP:  Theme: Empowering the Public for Change

• Press Conference

• Advocacy to Honourable Minister for Health, Hon.  Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development and Honourable Minister for Federal Capital Territory

• Time out with affected Children and their family.

 

Birth defects are common, costly, and critical. Survivors with these conditions are at an increased risk for Life-long disabilities, life dependency, costly care and support. Hence, the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Care Foundation write to humbly request for your presence on the 3rd of March, 2016.  

 

Post Event Activities: 

Birth defects surveillance (BDS) training and a pilot of BDS in 3 facilities in FCT and folic acid awareness campaign in Niger, Kaduna, Katsina and Gombe, alongside with free surgical support for indigent patients.

 

Accept our deepest appreciation in anticipation to working together for the survival of children with birth defects and disabilities in Nigeria. 

 

Yours in Humanitarian Service.

Lawal-AiyedunOlubunmi

Chief Executive Officer.