Birth defects in children’s hearts reach ‘epidemic’ levels in Bangladesh, experts say

Congenital heart disease has become a major threat to child health in Bangladesh, with experts warning that the prevalence of the condition has now reached “epidemic” levels. According to doctors, approximately 200 children are born with heart defects every day in the country, amounting to around 74,000 cases annually. Speaking at an event on World Heart Day on Sunday, specialists highlighted that one-quarter of neonatal deaths globally are due to heart disease. In Bangladesh, nearly 30 percent of newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are diagnosed with congenital heart disease. The event, held at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital in...