PAHO Launches Birth Defects Repository In The Americas

LATIN AMERICA – The Pan American Health Organization says it has launched a new tool to track birth defects across Latin America and The Caribbean.

The goal is better prevention, smarter health strategies, and a healthier start for every child in the region.

The interactive birth defects repository brings together real-time data to help countries improve maternal and child health policies.

PAHO says congenital anomalies are a leading cause of newborn deaths and certain outbreaks including the Zika virus show why timely data is critical.

PAHO says so far, a handful of countries are contributing, with more expected to join.