Each year more than 4 million children are born with birth defects. This book highlightsthe unprecedented opportunity to improve the lives of children and families indeveloping countries by preventing some birth defects and reducing the consequencesof others. A number of developing countries with more comprehensivehealth care systems are making significant progress in the prevention and care ofbirth defects. In many other developing countries, however, policymakers have limitedknowledge of the negative impact of birth defects and are largely unaware of theaffordable and effective interventions available to reduce the impact of certain conditions. Reducing Birth Defects: Meeting the Challenge in the Developing World includesdescriptions of successful programs and presents a plan of action to address criticalgaps in the understanding, prevention, and treatment of birth defects in developingcountries. This study also recommends capacity building, priority research, and institutionaland global efforts to reduce the incidence and impact of birth defects indeveloping countries.