3rd March-World Birth Defects Day

March 3 is recognized annually as World Birth Defects Day. About 3%–6% of infants worldwide are born with a serious birth defect every year. Birth defects are important causes of newborn and childhood deaths, chronic illness and disability.

An estimated 303 000 newborns die every year, worldwide, due to birth defects. In addition to mortality, birth defects cause long-term disability, which has significant impacts on individuals, families, health-care systems, and societies.

The day is used to raise awareness about the impact of birth defects worldwide, reduce stigma and increase opportunities for prevention and care.