The Ministry of Health (MOH) states that between 5,000 and 6,000 children are born with birth defects in Sri Lanka each year, with approximately 650 deaths recorded within the first year due to related complications.

Health authorities define birth defects as structural or functional abnormalities that develop in a fetus during pregnancy due to genetic or environmental factors.

These conditions may be detected during pregnancy, at birth, or later in life.

Sri Lanka records between 250,000 and 350,000 live births annually.

Reported birth defects include congenital heart conditions, neurological disorders, and other complex abnormalities.

Director of the Health Promotion Bureau, Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawa, stated that a special awareness week will commence next Monday to educate the public on prevention, early detection, and available healthcare support.