The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery Professor and Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery Director Jeffrey Blount, M.D., MPH, recently served as a panelist during a webinar hosted by the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IF).

The “Let’s Thrive Impact!” webinar was held to promote World Folic Acid Awareness Week (WFAAW) as part of the IF Global Prevention Initiative (IFGPI). According to the IF, “the aims of the IFGPI are to raise awareness about preventable neural tube defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida and hydrocephalus, through folic acid supplements, staple foods fortified with folic acid, or foods rich in folate, the natural form of folic acid.” 

During Blount’s panel presentation, titled “How Can Neurosurgeons Become More Involved in Prevention and Care?” he spoke on the variety of ways neurosurgeons can be involved in both spina bifida prevention and care. 

“Neurosurgeons have unique perspectives on spina bifida because of our immediate proximity to it, from all the way across the lifespan to consulting families of a newly diagnosed pregnancy to providing care early and across the lifespan,” said Blount.

Blount discussed the role of global neurosurgical collaboration, the importance of universal folic acid fortification, and the initiatives of the Global Alliance for Prevention of Spina Bifida (GAPSBiF), a global coalition co-founded by Blount. 

One of Blount’s focus points was the adoption of WHA76.19, a resolution on “Accelerating efforts for preventing micronutrient deficiencies and their consequences, including spina bifida and other neural tube defects (NTDs), through safe and effective fortification,” by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 29, 2023.

Since the adoption of WHA76.19, GAPSBiF has identified specific domains to foster partnerships within to advance the implementation of folic acid fortification globally.

Blount said, “We’ve tried to maintain a rigorous presence in our academic communities to continue to foster and nurture the growth that seems to be so active right now.”

Moving forward, Blount and his global partners will remain active and invested in the prevention and care of NTDs. 

Watch the webinar. 

Watch the Heersink School of Medicine State of the School address to hear from Dean and Senior Vice President of Medicine Anupam Agarwal, M.D., as he discusses Blount's global impact at the 39:06 timestamp.