The World Health Organization (WHO) released a report calling on countries to expand newborn screening for birth defects. The report, titled "Strengthening capacity for newborn screening, diagnosis and management of birth defects," identifies newborn screening as an opportunity to accelerate progress in child survival.

Early detection allows for treatment of conditions such as congenital hypothyroidism, sickle-cell disease, hearing impairment, and some metabolic disorders. An estimated 8 million babies are born with a birth defect annually worldwide, contributing to almost 8% of all deaths among children under five globally. Approximately 90% of children born with serious birth defects live in low- and middle-income countries, where access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment remains limited.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, "No child should miss the chance for a healthy future because a congenital condition was not detected early enough." He added, "Around the world, countries are showing that newborn screening for one or more conditions can save lives, prevent disability, and give a newborn the best opportunity to fulfil her or his potential."

While some countries screen newborns for more than 50 conditions, others lack the capacity to screen for any. Between 2000 and 2023, the proportion of under-five deaths attributed to birth defects increased from 1% to 4% in sub-Saharan Africa and from 3% to 11% in South Asia. The WHO encourages every country to initiate newborn screening with a priority condition and expand progressively as capacity develops.

The report aims to assist ministries of health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, in prioritizing conditions for newborn screening based on their national context. Examples of expanded screening include Argentina achieving nearly universal newborn screening coverage, and Brazil expanding nationwide screening for multiple life-threatening conditions. Egypt integrates universal newborn screening for hearing and congenital hypothyroidism into its primary healthcare services. India's national program screened over 28 million children in three years, identifying approximately 900,000 with a birth defect. The Philippines program screens newborns for 29 conditions through more than 7,000 facilities, with screening mandated by law and covered by national health insurance. Sri Lanka incorporates newborn screening for visible birth defects and congenital hypothyroidism into routine care, screening approximately 80% of newborns for congenital hypothyroidism. Uganda implements a state-led program for sickle-cell disease in high-burden areas, providing early identification and long-term follow-up care.

The World Health Organization urges governments to integrate newborn screening, diagnosis, and treatment into routine health services and universal health coverage programs. A global consultation which included government representatives, technical experts, clinicians, researchers, professional associations, civil society organizations, and families affected by birth defects informed the WHO report.