The burden of neural tube defects in Southern Ethiopia: trends, hotspots, and public health implications

NTDs represent a significant public health concern in southern Ethiopia, with anencephaly and spina bifida being the most prevalent types. No significant linear trend was observed over the five-year period. Most hotspot districts are located within Ethiopia's Great Rift Valley. Strengthening prenatal NTD screening, establishing a national digital birth and birth defect registry, and promoting periconceptional folic acid supplementation alongside nutrition education are critical for reducing the burden of NTDs in Ethiopia.