Spina bifida is a major congenital disorder of the spinal cord that remains public health challenge in India. It can cause lifelong paralysis, bladder and bowel problems, hydrocephalus and orthopaedic complications. The condition is largely preventable through periconceptional folic acid intake, yet awareness and preventive action remain limited.
What Spina Bifida Is
Spina bifida occurs when the neural tube does not close properly during early foetal development. It is one of the most common birth defects in India. Affected children may have weakness in the legs, complete paralysis below the waist, or disability requiring wheelchairs. Some also develop hydrocephalus, club feet and urinary incontinence.
Public Health Burden in India
India records a high number of cases each year, with more than 25,000 children affected annually. Many families do not receive timely diagnosis, counselling or treatment information. Expert care is unavailable to a large share of affected children, which worsens disability and increases long-term social and economic burden.
Prevention Through Folic Acid
Scientific evidence has shown that folic acid taken before conception and in early pregnancy can prevent a large proportion of cases. This makes spina bifida a largely preventable birth defect. Despite this, India has not seen sustained nationwide awareness campaigns or large-scale preventive interventions comparable to several other countries.
Fortification and Policy Response
Many countries have reduced spina bifida rates through mandatory folic acid fortification of food vehicles and public awareness programmes. In India, discussions are also under way on fortifying widely consumed items such as salt and tea with folate and vitamin B12. Such measures could support prevention of neural tube defects and related anaemia and neurological complications.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026