Whereas birth defects are a major cause of infants deaths and childhood disabilities; and whereas early recognition and response to birth defects often prevents more serious effects; and whereas the epidemiological patterns of specific birth defects may provide keys to improved birth outcomes. An active birth defects surveillance and information system is essential to developing programs and disseminating information that can reduce birth defects and infant mortality. An active birth defects surveillance and information system serves to:

(1)  Describe occurrence of birth defects in the newborn and children up to five (5);

(2)  Detect trends of morbidity and mortality, stimulate epidemiological research diminish the impact of birth defects and infant mortality;

(3)  Identify newborns and children with birth defects to intervene on a timely basis for treatment.