AB039. Thailand national plan for prevention and care of birth defects and disabilities

Abstract: Thailand Task Force on Birth Defects and Disabilities was first organized in 2008. From 2011-2014, Birth Defects Association (Thailand) received funding from ThaiHealth Promotion Foundation and the outcomes are: (I) pilot program on Birth Defects Registry (BDR), both on case record form (CRF) and later developed into BDR Online; in 22 out of 77 provinces; (II) eleven health districts model in 11 provinces focus on holistic approach on prevention and care of 5 chosen disorders-down syndrome (DS), neural tube defects (NTD), cleft lip/palate (CL/P), limb anomalies (LA) and duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD); (III) manuals and care map for five chosen birth defects for provincial and community hospitals completed; (IV) memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed in 2012 between four ministries (Health, Education, Social Welfare and Human Security) and interior two organizations (National Health Security Office and ThaiHealth Promotion Foundation) including Birth Defects Association (Thailand); (V) national network was developed consisting of expert paediatricians and obstetricians from eight medical institutions including Queen Sirikit National Children Center in Bangkok; (VI) Country Action Plan’ initiated by Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health; (VII) strategic map, master plan and care map developed; (VIII) systematic approach including working with policymakers and stakeholders at country, provincial and community level. From 2015-2017, Birth Defects Association (Thailand) continues to receive fundings from ThaiHealth Promotion Foundation focusing on three objectives: (I) moving forward towards national policy; (II) strengthening the holistic approach in 26 health districts model including one in Bangkok metropolitan area; (III) raising awareness in prevention of birth defects using folate supplementation in women of child bearing age with emphasis on girls in secondary schools.

Keywords: Thailand national plan; birth defects; disabilities