DOH-7 intensifies newborn screening advocacy

The Department of Health – Region 7 in Cebu City strengthens the Newborn Screening program aimed to detect certain genetic, metabolic and/or infectious conditions among infants.

According to DOH-7 program coordinator of Newborn Screening program Myra Salvaleon, newborn screening is a simple way of knowing the condition of an infant having a congenital metabolic disorder that may cause mental retardation or in many cases, disability or death. An early identification and timely intervention can lead to significant reduction of morbidity, mortality, and associated disabilities in affected infants.

This program usually begins with a blood test or other tests and it is used to identify serious or life-threatening conditions that may lead to health problems, Salvaleon added.

NBS was integrated into the public health delivery system with the enactment of the Newborn Screening Act of 2004 or Republic Act 9288.

To date, there are four Newborn Screening Centers (NSCs) in the country namely, NSC- Visayas in Iloilo City; NSC-National Institutes of Health in Manila; NSC-Central Luzon in Angeles City; and NSC-Mindanao in Davao City.

These four NSCs provide laboratory and follow up services for more than three thousand health facilities. The cost for the laboratory testing is around P550-P600.

In Central Visayas as of first semester of 2011, 18 percent of newborn infants have already undergone the newborn screening. In 2010, 28 percent of infants had been screened.

DOH-7 with other stakeholders are now trying to identify some strategies to intensify awareness in the communities to promote the newborn screening program. (PIA)