Birth Defects & Genetics Working Group

Birth defects occur in all ethnic groups and geographical regions remaining an important world-wide cause of perinatal mortality and infant and child morbidity. An excess of health care dollars is allocated to the care and repair of those affected. This is especially true when those affected live in remote geographical locations, especially the circumpolar regions of the world. Although the causes of birth defects are multifactorial, including genetic predisposition, much can be done to prevent a significant proportion of birth defects. Public health efforts to improve diet, fortification of foods with folic acid, and campaigns to inform on the dangers of teratogenic exposures are all measures that can make a difference.

There are unique circumstances and challenges to addressing rates of birth defects in circumpolar regions. The greatest challenge is that there is rarely an ability to determine the true rates of birth defects in ways that are comparable to other populations. Registries are often lacking, or if present are not easily accessed. This working group aims to 1) establish a methodology of comparing birth defects rates in the circumpolar regions of the world, 2) to determine what birth defects will be amenable to public health efforts and 3) establish culturally specific public health efforts in circumpolar regions that will prevent birth defects.

The Canadian Society for Circumpolar Health (CSCH) has been the most active on these issues, and would like to encourage you to get involved. We welcome all interested parties.

Working Group Chair

Laura Arbour (larbour [@] cw.bc.ca)

Members

A. Corriveau, G. Osborne, M. Moffat