10.5005/newborn-2-4-iv
Early identification of birth defects can reduce secondary disabilities in newborn infantsBirth defects and developmental disabilities are important issues of public health concern. 1 Birth defects are abnormalities of structure, function, or metabolism that are present at birth and can result in physical or mental disability, or death. [2][3][4][5] About 3% of children born in the United States (US) have a major birth defect; these account for about 20% of all infant deaths. 4 Disability is defined as a limitation of activity associated with long-term physical, sensory, and/or cognitive impairments. 1,6 Developmental disabilities can begin in utero or after birth because of injury, infection, or other factors. 5 About 17% of children in the US have a developmental disability, with about 2% having a disability severe enough to require life-long care and special services. 1 In 1992, the UN General Assembly proclaimed December 3 rd as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. [7][8][9] This day is celebrated every year to promote awareness and understanding of the problems faced by people with disabilities all over the world. 9 The goal is to promote inclusion, dignity, and the rights of affected people all over the world, be it in political, social, economic, and cultural life. 10 We need to be "United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with, and by persons with disabilities." 11,12 Unfortunately, much more work is still needed to achieve the SDGs by the original timeline of 2030. 13 The Children's Health Act of 2000 recognized the relevance of these conditions with the creation of the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 14,15 It has recently launched a national campaign, "Learn the Signs. Act Early," to educate parents and healthcare providers about the importance of early, timely intervention. [16][17][18][19] We need a fundamental shift in our commitment, solidarity, and financing to reduce the public health burden emanating from these issues. 20 A political declaration at a recent SDG Summit 21 focused on the achievement of sustainable development and shared prosperity for all, by defining policies and actions that target the poorest and most vulnerable, including persons with disabilities. 22 The UN Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNSID; June 2019) 23 aims to raise the Organization's standards and performance on disability inclusion. 24,25 The idea was to provide sustainable and transformative progress in at-risk populations. 26 Our journal, the newborn aims to cover fetal/neonatal problems that begin during pregnancy or occur after birth during the first 1000 days after birth. In this 4 th issue of the second volume, we present 8 new articles (Figure 1). In neonates, Down syndrome is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability; it affects approximately 1 in every 700 children, and accounts for around 15-20% of the intellectually ...
