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Consolidated Newborn Bloodspot Screening Efforts in Developing Countries in the Asia Pacific-2024
Bradford L Therrell1,2, Carmencita D Padilla3,4, Michelle E Abadingo3,4
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
Insights
Newborn screening (NBS) efforts in the Asia Pacific Region are advancing, with a focus on developing sustainable programs in countries with limited coverage. Workshops facilitate information exchange and peer support to expand NBS accessibility.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Newborn screening (NBS) is crucial for early detection of congenital disorders.
- The Asia Pacific Region accounts for approximately half of global births, highlighting the need for widespread NBS programs.
- Initiatives have been ongoing for nearly 30 years, supported by organizations like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Asia Pacific Society of Human Genetics (APSHG).
Framework:
- A working group under the APSHG supports countries with less than 50% NBS coverage.
- Periodic workshops facilitate information exchange, goal setting, and peer support among participating nations.
- International NBS experts and corporate sponsors provide crucial facilitation and resources.
Implementation:
- Focus on developing sustainable NBS systems in countries with developing economies.
- The 7th workshop in Kathmandu, Nepal, involved representatives from 10 East Asian countries.
- Activities summarized include current NBS status and ongoing efforts to improve coverage and effectiveness.
Implications:
- Continued collaboration and knowledge sharing are vital for expanding NBS in the region.
- Strengthening NBS programs can significantly improve infant health outcomes in the Asia Pacific.
- The report underscores the ongoing commitment to advancing newborn screening initiatives across East Asia.
Abstract:
Approximately half of all births globally occur in the Asia Pacific Region. Concerted efforts to support local activities aimed at developing national newborn screening (NBS) have been ongoing for almost 30 years, first by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and then through volunteer efforts. Sustainable newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) continues to be initiated and develop in many of the countries with developing economies in the region. Since the discontinuation of IAEA funding in 2007, a working group of the Asia Pacific Society of Human Genetics (APSHG) consisting of interested representatives from countries in the region with less than 50% NBS coverage has participated in periodic workshops to exchange information, set goals, and provide peer support. Facilitated by international NBS experts, interested corporate sponsors, and the APSHG, the 7th workshop of representatives from 10 East Asian countries with developing NBS systems was recently held in Kathmandu, Nepal. This report summarizes the NBS activities in these countries and describes the continuing efforts to move NBS ahead in the region.
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