Folic Acid Awareness Week 2018

by Shrutee K/DNS

Mumbai, 11 January 2018-  Spina Bifida Foundation, a foundation aimed at prevention of Birth defects and Meyer Vitabiotics, a leading pharmaceutical company, jointly announces a one of its kind initiative “GO FOLIC” campaign India as part of National Folic Acid Week from January 8^th to January 14^th. This campaign is aimed to create awareness on prevention of Spina Bifida, congenital birth defect. GO FOLIC - One of its kind initiatives by Meyer Vitabiotics for prevention of Spina Bifida. They have been spreading awareness about importance of Folic Acid since 2015.

Started on 27th August 2015 across India GO FOLIC campaign has liaison with State Governments, the Union Health Ministry and WHO India to reach to the masses by undertaking various activities like Awareness Campaign, Events, Health Camps and Doctor Participation Activities. This will be an on-going campaign. GO FOLIC aims to spread the vital message about taking Folic Acid as well as Vitamin B12 before pregnancy to prevent birth defects.

This initiative is launched as part of Corporate Social Responsibility, a joint initiative by Meyer Vitabiotics in collaboration with Spina Bifida Foundation to make a positive difference in society. Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon is the brand Ambassador for GO FOLIC campaign.

Speaking about the cause Mr. Rohit Shelatkar, Meyer Vitabiotics Vice President said “As a nutraceuticals company we believe it’s our responsibility to make healthcare simpler. Keeping the leading edge of international research and being sensitive to specific consumer needs, we at Meyer Vitabiotics want to make a significant difference in the lives of people. The awareness is still non-existent in rural and urban India. This campaign will educate people on the importance of Folic acid and its requirements during pregnancy for a growth of a healthy baby”

Congenital birth defects mainly (NTDs) Neural tube defects form a major share in India, are assuming greater importance as a leading cause of Neonatal and Infant Mortality in India. With this joint initiative, Spina Bifida foundation chief Dr. Santosh Karmarkar and Meyer Vitabiotics Vice President Mr. Rohit Shelatkar takes a step to create awareness and help prevention of Spina Bifida and its complications.

Folate is a vital Vitamin required majorly during pregnancy, for the development of maternal and fetal metabolic needs. Folic acid and Vitamin B12 deficiency in pregnant women can lead to grave consequences like FGR (Fetal Growth Retardation). Regular dose of Folic acid and Vit, B12 is required for every to be and would be mother.

Mr. Karmarkar, Founder of Spina Bifida Foundation said “Every year about 25 to 40 thousand children are born with mild to severe form of birth defects. Every year there is increase in the infant mortality rate. The children who are born with such casualty suffer from mild to severe form of Spina bifida. Prevention of NTDs is an immediate Public Health priority for India. GO FOLIC campaign will address this issue. 70% of NTDs are due to a lack of Folates and therefore ensuring an adequate daily intake of Folic Acid and B12 vitamins in the diets of mothers-to-be, prior to conception and during pregnancy can prevent most cases of NTDs”

Prevention of NTDs and other birth defects is on the top of the stated WHO goals for South East Asia. NTDs, which are congenital malformations of the Spinal Cord & Spine, cause varying degrees of childhood paralysis (more severe than Polio) and also affect the development of the lower limbs, brain, urinary bladder and Bowel. India has one of the highest incidences of NTDs in the world – up to 4-5 /1000 live births! This would amount to as many as 25000 - 40000 children born with this defect in India each year.