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Published Nov 23, 2022

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Neural Tube Defect

#Ethiopia Some babies may have a lump on their back and their head may be too small. This is called Neural Tube Defect.

This problem occurs when there is a problem in the formation of the nerve shaft and covering from the upper part of the brain to the lower part of the spinal cord.

According to the World Health Organization, it is a problem that causes death and injury in up to 300,000 children every year. The few studies conducted in our country have indicated the seriousness of the problem.

Mekele University In his research from 2016-2017, he explained that out of 10,000 babies born in hospitals in Tigray region, 131 (131/10,000) babies were born with neural tube defects.

Similarly, in a study conducted at Addis Ababa University, 126 (126/10,000) of 10,000 babies born in 3 hospitals in Addis Ababa were found to have neural tube defects.

Children with neural tube defects may have associated hydrocephalus, leg immobility, and internal physical problems.

Things that expose the nerve shaft gap

- Folic acid deficiency

- If the drugs the mother is taking are against folic acid

For example, epilepsy drugs

- A mother who has given birth with the same problem in the past is more likely to give birth to a child affected by the same problem.

Treating children with neural tube defects is costly.

In addition, it requires the cooperation of many professionals and is challenging, and the treatment results are usually not good. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on prevention by adjusting folic acid intake of the pregnant mother.

Women of childbearing age should consume more foods rich in folic acid.

Foods rich in folic acid include vegetables, fruits and animal products.

• Papaya, avocado, orange

• Cauliflower, cauliflower

• Beans, peas

• Eggs and liver meat are rich in folic acid.

A mother who intends to become pregnant should have a pre-pregnancy consultation and take folic acid tablets for 3 months from the first day of pregnancy. In particular, a mother who has given birth to a child with the same problem in the past is required to take pre-conception one month before pregnancy.

As serious as the problem is, not much has been done at the community and national level to raise awareness of neural tube defects and the benefits of folic acid. This has caused the number of victims of this problem to appear higher than every day. Therefore, it is very important to spread knowledge about the benefits of folic acid and the prevention of neural tube defects at the community level.

Today, November 15th, Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus is being observed at the national level under the theme "Let's raise our voice".

By Dr. Enoch Zewdu;

Children's Act