This program focuses on developing newborn screening initiatives in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) through innovative and sustainable strategies. Despite significant advancements in newborn screening globally, LMICs face unique challenges, such as limited healthcare infrastructure, financial constraints, and training barriers, that hinder widespread implementation. The program aims to explore solutions tailored to these regions, emphasizing approaches that leverage both traditional and novel methods for overcoming obstacles to newborn screening. Prof. Jim Bonham will discuss the potential for expanding newborn screening programs in LMICs, addressing the foundational components necessary for these programs to succeed and adapt to local needs. Dr. Hafsa Majid will then introduce the concept of using virtual learning environments to train healthcare workers on the essential skill of Dried Blood Spot (DBS) collection. This training method offers a scalable solution to overcome geographic and logistical limitations, ensuring that medical staff can access consistent, high-quality training. Finally, Dr. Lena Jafri will present the development of a rare disease registry, emphasizing its critical role in gathering evidence-based data to shape newborn screening initiatives. By capturing valuable data on rare conditions, these registries inform policymaking and resource allocation, supporting the growth of targeted screening programs. Together, these presentations provide a comprehensive view of how LMICs can implement, expand, and sustain newborn screening programs, ultimately improving health outcomes for newborns across diverse populations.

This webinar comprises of three following presentations of 20 min each followed by 20 min of panel discussion at the end.

Chair: Prof. Aysha Habib Khan

Talk 1- "The potential for the development of newborn screening in LMICs" - Prof. James Bonham

Talk 2- "Training of Dried Blood Spot Collection Using a Virtual Learning Environment" - Dr. Hafsa Majid

Talk 3- "The First Newborn Screening Initiative for IMDs in Pakistan: One Blood Spot 14 Disorders " - Dr. Lena Jafri

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Target Audience:

This webinar is intended for:

• Lab scientists

• Physicians

• Health policy makers

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the potential and challenges for implementing newborn screening programs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), focusing on the healthcare infrastructure, socio-economic factors, and resource allocation.
• Evaluate innovative strategies for training healthcare professionals in newborn screening techniques, such as Dried Blood Spot (DBS) collection, utilizing virtual learning environments to address practical barriers.
• Analyze the role of rare disease registries in evidence-based program development, learning how such registries can support data-driven decisions and policy formation for sustainable newborn screening initiatives in LMICs.

Instructions for Participation and Earning CE Credit:

This IFCC Live webinar is designed to be completed within 90 minutes. To earn CE credit, participants must complete the activity online. A passing score of 75% on the post-webinar quiz is required to receive 1.5 CE credits.