Key facts
- An estimated 240 000 newborns die worldwide within 28 days of birth every year due to congenital disorders. Congenital disorders cause a further 170 000 deaths of children between the ages of 1 month and 5 years.
- Congenital disorders can contribute to long-term disability, which takes a significant toll on individuals, families, health care systems and societies.
- Nine of ten children born with a serious congenital disorder are in low- and middle-income countries.
- As neonatal and under-5 mortality rates decline, congenital disorders become a larger proportion of the cause of neonatal and under-5 deaths.
- The most common severe congenital disorders are heart defects, neural tube defects and Down syndrome.
- Although congenital disorders may be the result of one or more genetic, infectious, nutritional or environmental factors, it is often difficult to identify the exact causes.
- Some congenital disorders can be prevented. Vaccination, adequate intake of folic acid or iodine through fortification of staple foods or supplementation, and adequate care before and during a pregnancy are examples of prevention methods.
Click on the graphic to learn more
