The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) and its partners reached approximately 800 women through a medical camp and awareness session in Sukkur. The initiative focused on preventing neural tube defects (NTDs), serious birth defects that affect a baby’s brain and spine.

The camp also distributed 1,000 folic acid supplements and educational materials to promote preventive care before pregnancy.

The Section of Neurosurgery in AKUH’s Department of Surgery organised the initiative at the Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology (SICHN) Children’s Hospital. The event took place ahead of World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day on October 25.

AKUH collaborated with Kazim Trust, Pir Abdul Qadir Shah Jeelani Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) and SICHN to deliver the programme.

Folic Acid Can Help Prevent Neural Tube Defects

Neural tube defects occur when the neural tube, which develops into the brain and spinal cord, fails to close properly during early pregnancy.

Research studies in Pakistan have reported prevalence rates ranging from 38.6 to 124.1 cases per 10,000 births. The supplied data highlights the need for greater awareness and access to preventive measures.

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Taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily can help reduce the risk of these defects. Health experts recommend starting supplementation before conception, as the neural tube usually closes within the first 28 days after conception. This means the critical stage may pass before a woman knows she is pregnant.

AKUH Specialists Stress Prevention Before Pregnancy

Dr Saqib Kamran Bakshi, Assistant Professor and Consultant Paediatric Neurosurgeon at AKUH, stressed the importance of early prevention.

“Many women only learn about the importance of folic acid after becoming pregnant, but by then, the most critical stage of neural tube development may already have passed. Our message is simple: prevention must begin before pregnancy.”

Dr Hafiza Fatima, Senior Instructor and Consultant Neurosurgeon at AKUH, highlighted the role of community awareness in preventing birth defects.

“Awareness is the first step towards prevention. Many women are unaware that taking folic acid before pregnancy can help protect their children from serious birth defects. Through initiatives like this camp, we want to reach women directly, provide them with reliable information, and encourage them to make folic acid supplementation part of their daily routine.”

Community Outreach Promotes Preventive Care

Through the camp, AKUH and its partners brought health information and folic acid supplements directly to women in the community.

The initiative aimed to encourage pre-pregnancy care and improve awareness of neural tube defects. It also highlighted the importance of making preventive information and supplements accessible to women before conception.

By combining medical consultations with education and supplement distribution, the organisers sought to strengthen community understanding of how early preventive measures can help protect the health of future children.