Question

Folate deficiency during pregnancy contributes greatly to the risk of neural tube defects. Investigate how the government combated this problem and whether this approach has worked.

Answer 1

Pregnant women should get enough folic acid.

This vitamin is very important during the development of brain and spinal cord.

When there is a defect in this vitamin it will lead to major birth defects called neural tube defects

The government combated this by

• Educating women about the need of folic during pregnancy
• Stakeholder should check and assist in taking the medicine
• Certain foods are made rich in folic acid and can be taken by pregnant women
• Early starting and during pregnancy folic acid medication are administered ( orally)
• Endemic areas are keenly observed and this problem is focused
• The daily requirement is 400 micro gram or0.4mg in the diet
• Folic acid supplementation are given in the first trimester by the government
• Regular health check-up and follow up for high risk mothers