In RBSK children are screened at four levels:

Delivery points: Comprehensive Newborn screening

Home visits by ASHA: Screening for visible birth defects

Anganwadis: Biannual screening of children (6 weeks to 6 years)

Government schools: Annual screening of children (6 years to 18 years)

The theme of National Birth Defect Awareness Month 2024 is “Breaking Barriers: inclusive support for children with birth defects”.

Birth defects contribute to 4.9% of defects in neonatal mortality, as per Cause of Death Statistics 2017-19 SRS Report.

Even though the proportion of child mortality due to these defects is lower when compared to other infectious diseases, RBSK aims to ensure the complete health of the child.

This year, emphasis is being placed on pre-pregnancy care, as this period also has an impact on the growing fetus.

Currently, about 160 crore children have been screened under the RBSK.