About the International Conference on Birth Defects and Disabilities in the Developing World (ICBD 2023)
- Through knowledge transfer and experience sharing at the International Conference on Birth Defects and Disabilities in the Developing World (ICBD 2023), we will enhance capacity in lower and middle-income countries (LMIC) to improve surveillance and diagnosis of birth defects and disabilities, address modifiable risk factors related to birth defects and disabilities, and improve the continuum of care for affected newborns for improved outcomes. In particular, we will share specific practical tools and approaches in the surveillance (including emerging threats), diagnosis and management of risk factors and care. We also will explore models and pathways to care, including the importance of family networks.
- These biennial conferences have fostered the exchange of knowledge, experience and best practices among healthcare providers and organizations around the world. Through professional networking, they have led to more coordinated, effective and transparent global and national action on birth defects. Previous Conferences have occurred in Sri Lanka (2020), Bogotá D.C., Colombia (2017), Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania (2015), Cebu, Philippines (2013), Lodz, Poland (2011), New Delhi, India (2009), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2007), Beijing, China (2005) and Johannesburg, South Africa (2001).
Who Should Attend?
We welcome surveillance, clinical and public health professionals, high-level policy and program personnel from ministries of health, and professional, research and non-governmental associations, organizations and parent groups working in the field of maternal and child health, particularly individuals from lower and middle-income countries.
CHILE HOST ORGANIZATION
PARTNERS
CONFERENCE CO-CHAIRS
Dra. Cecilia Mellado
Judith Robb McCord
GLOBAL STEERING COMMITTEE
The Committee is made up of senior representatives from March of Dimes, the School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, our in-country host for the 2023 conference, the World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine MARCH Centre. Committee members meet monthly and have laid out the conference theme, goal and purpose for ICBD2023. They also designed the Call for Abstracts and identified representatives to serve on the Scientific Program Committee. Global Steering Committee members will continue to shape ICBD2023 through the design of plenary sessions as well as the overall program. Committee members are also responsible for sharing information about the conference within their networks and supporting fundraising.