5,000–6,000 Children Born With Birth Defects Annually - Ministry of Health

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Ministry of Health says that between 5,000 and 6,000 children are born with birth defects in Sri Lanka each year.

According to the Ministry, around 650 of these children die within their first year due to complications related to birth defects.

Health authorities define birth defects as structural or functional abnormalities in a fetus developing in the mother’s womb, caused by genetic or environmental factors.

Sri Lanka records between 250,000 and 350,000 live births annually.

The Ministry noted that birth defects can be identified during pregnancy, at birth, or after birth. These include heart defects, neurological disorders, and other complex congenital conditions.

Director of the Health Promotion Bureau, Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawa stated that a special awareness week will begin next Monday to educate the public about children with birth defects.