by Vina G. Mendoza
In 2024, the Philippines achieved a national newborn screening coverage rate of 92%, with over 1.3 million newborns screened. Among the 17 regions, the National Capital Region (NCR), Region IV-A (CALABARZON), and Region III (Central Luzon) led in the number of newborns screened.
The distribution of newborn screening across the country’s regions is as follows:
1. Region I (Ilocos): 64,091
2. Region II (Cagayan Valley): 44,280
3. Region III (Central Luzon): 164,741
4. CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region): 25,749
5. National Capital Region (NCR): 172,815
6. Region IV-A (CALABARZON): 182,123
7. Region IV-B (MIMAROPA): 37,986
8. Region V (Bicol): 79,104
9. Region VI (Western Visayas): 91,510
10. Region VII (Central Visayas): 97,395
11. Region VIII (Eastern Visayas): 58,019
12. Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula): 48,260
13. Region X (Northern Mindanao): 70,356
14. Region XI (Davao): 68,965
15. Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN): 63,804
16. CARAGA: 36,789
17. BARMM: 23,215
Notably, 20,885 newborns from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) were screened, emphasizing efforts to reach remote populations.
The Department of Health (DOH), through the Centers for Health Development and the Ministry of Health – BARMM and in close coordination with the National Institutes of Health – UP Manila, through the Newborn Screening Reference Center (NSRC), continues to support and enhance the national and regional initiatives, aiming for universal coverage and timely detection of congenital disorders to ensure the health and well-being of every newborn in the country.
Infrastructure and Accessibility
The DOH has led the monitoring of a robust infrastructure to support newborn screening services:
• 4716 Active and 67 New Newborn Screening Facilities
• 7 Newborn Screening Centers
• 34 Newborn Screening Continuity Clinics
• 24 Satellite Newborn Screening Continuity Clinics
• 3 Centers for Human Genetics Services
The locations of these facilities have been strategically selected to ensure the accessibility of screening services. This includes the provision of ongoing care for patients with confirmed conditions, aimed at facilitating favorable health outcomes for all patients.
Advocacy and Future Directions
The implementers of the program are steadfast in their advocacy for the significance of newborn screening through a variety of initiatives and collaborations. These efforts encompass capacity building, public awareness campaigns, and collaborative partnerships. Recognizing the importance of public awareness, the NSRC launched a series of concise animated videos in 2024 to educate families about disorders included in the ENBS panel. The first two videos focus on Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) and autosomal recessive inheritance, with more videos on G6PD deficiency, thalassemias, and Tyrosinemia type 1 in development.
Achieving Nationwide Coverage
The overarching goal of the ENBS program is to achieve 100% coverage, ensuring that every newborn in the Philippines benefits from early screening. In 2024, the program’s coverage rate was a testament to the collective efforts of healthcare providers, government agencies, and communities in safeguarding the health of the nation’s newborns. The Department of Health (DOH) continues to advocate for increased participation, emphasizing that early detection can prevent complications and provide timely treatment for affected infants.
The 2024 ENBS coverage rate is a testament to the collective efforts of healthcare providers, government agencies, and communities in safeguarding the health of the nation’s newborns. Continued support and awareness are essential to sustain and build upon this success.
Preparation for Universal Newborn Screening
In line with global health initiatives, the World Health Assembly recently urged countries to adopt universal newborn screening, diagnosis, and long-term care for children with birth defects. In response, national program implementers are actively preparing to expand the ENBS. Plans are underway to formally integrate clinical screening for visible birth defects and implement pulse oximetry screening for Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) within 2025. This strategic expansion aims to enhance the scope of newborn screening, allowing for earlier identification and intervention for a broader range of conditions detectable at birth.
With these developments, the ENBS program continues to evolve—moving closer to the vision of comprehensive, equitable, and universal newborn care for all Filipino families.
