● Since these diseases are expensive and complicated to treat, prevention is best. Developed countries, even countries like Africa and Afghanistan, have reduced the incidence of the disease to 70% by adding folic acid to the diet. Consuming folic acid-rich foods in pregnant women can prevent spina bifida and other birth defects like cleft palate, cleft lip, clubfoot, and heart defects.
● Folic acid supplements should be given to the mother before conception and folic acid should be added or fortified to the daily diet.
● Prevention is quite simple. Not much cost, but lack of goodwill and awareness. Wide public awareness should be created in this regard. World Spina Bifida Day is celebrated on October 25 every year to raise awareness about this complex disease of the brain and spine.
