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A Global Update on the Status of Prevention of Folic Acid-Preventable Spina Bifida and Anencephaly in Year 2024 - PubMed

2 hours ago
  • #Spina bifida prevention
  • #Global health policy
  • #Folic acid fortification
  • Folic acid fortification prevented an estimated 63,600 cases of folic acid-preventable spina bifida and anencephaly in 69 countries in 2024.
  • Despite these efforts, only 24% of preventable cases were averted globally, leaving about 200,000 preventable cases in over 100 countries without fortification policies.
  • The 76th World Health Assembly resolution urges implementation of folic acid fortification to address disparities and reduce disability and mortality from these birth defects.