More than three decades after science proved that pre-conceptional intake of folic acid can prevent over 70% of Spina Bifida cases, India continues to lag in public awareness, contributing to one of the world’s highest prevalence rates of the condition.
Spina Bifida, a serious birth defect of the spinal cord, affects over 25,000 newborns in India every year and often leads to lifelong paralysis. Many families remain uninformed about its causes, prevention, and available treatments. A recent case from Jharkhand, where parents were unaware of their child’s diagnosis or treatment options, highlights the critical information gap. Experts stress that simple, low-cost folic acid supplementation before and during early pregnancy can dramatically reduce incidence. Making folic acid awareness a public health priority is essential to prevent avoidable disability and reduce the burden of birth defects in India.
