Abstract

Neonatal screening is a critical public health procedure aimed at detecting congenital disorders and metabolic conditions in newborns before symptoms appear. Early detection through screening can lead to timely interventions, preventing severe health complications and improving long-term health outcomes. This paper explores the procedures involved in neonatal screening, highlighting the range of conditions that are typically screened for, such as metabolic disorders, genetic diseases, and endocrine abnormalities. It also examines the numerous benefits of neonatal screening, including reduced mortality, prevention of developmental delays, and the ability to guide early interventions. However, despite its successes, neonatal screening faces several challenges, including issues related to access, ethical concerns, and the integration of new technologies into screening programs. This discussion provides a comprehensive overview of neonatal screening, focusing on its importance, current practices, and the barriers that need to be addressed to ensure its widespread effectiveness.