World Birth Defects Day

World Birth Defects Day (WBDD), observed on March 3 each year, unites people and organizations working in the field of birth defects, also known as congenital anomalies, congenital disorders or congenital conditions. There are many types of birth defects and this day recognizes our collective voice in raising awareness for all birth defects. 


WBDD 2024 Activities and Events

Partner engagement opportunities, including webinars, Twitter chat, Facebook live event, are available here.

Friday, March 1st @ 11am EST

Join us on X and Threads for a live chat in English and Spanish to raise awareness about birth defects worldwide.

Download the WBDD Online Chat Banner and the WBDD Online Chat Flyer to spread the word!

Friday, March 1st @ 1 pm EST

Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS)/MotherToBaby presents a free online webinar for healthcare providers. Special guest Dr. Sura Alwan, co-director of TERIS at the University of Washington will be presenting on the topic of “Pregnancy Exposures and Birth Defect: What Have We Learned?”

Follow this link to register for free.

Monday, March 4th @ 8 am EST

Join the WHO, Children’s Heartlink, Operation Smile, and many more organizations in a discussion of addressing birth defects inequities through prevention, lifesaving, and lifelong care. Learn more about advancing equitable access to health services and advocacy.

Click on this link to register today.

Tuesday, March 5th @ 12:30 am EST

WHO-SEARO is hosting the “Regional Webinar on Birth Defects: Every Journey Matters.” The webinar will discuss efforts to mobilize commitment and actions for priority attention to ‘prevention and management of birth defects’ among the Member States, and disseminate the Implementation guidance and training videos on Universal Newborn Screening (UNS).

A detailed webinar schedule can be downloaded here, and download the promotional flyer!

Please register for this webinar by clicking this link.