51st annual meeting of ICBDSR: data that counts - transforming lives through birth defects surveillance

The 51st Annual Meeting of the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research (ICBDSR) was held from 2 to 5 November 2025 in Magaliesburg, South Africa. The meeting brought together clinicians, epidemiologists, public health practitioners and researchers from 24 countries to discuss advances in the surveillance, prevention, and management of birth defects. Hosting the meeting in South Africa reflected a strategic effort to strengthen engagement with low- and middle-income countries and to expand African participation in global birth defects surveillance initiatives. Scientific sessions addressed methodological developments in surveillance systems, etiological research, and approaches to improving the interpretation and communication of surveillance data for policy and public health action. Emphasis was placed on strengthening data quality, harmonising case definitions and reporting practices across registries, and building technical capacity in emerging surveillance programmes. Contributions from African researchers highlighted both the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing surveillance in resource-constrained settings. The meeting underscored the importance of international collaboration, inclusive surveillance networks, and effective translation of data into prevention strategies and health system planning. Strengthening global surveillance remains essential for informing prevention efforts and improving outcomes for children and families affected by birth defects.