Saudi newborn screening. A national public health program: needs, costs, and challenges.

ABSTRACT

A Saudi newborn screening program is important to the half million Saudi children born each year in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is a coordinated and comprehensive system consisting of education, screening, diagnosis, treatment and management, follow-up, and program evaluation. The Saudi newborn population should benefit from this program and affected infants will be diagnosed early, and managed effectively. Both cost effectiveness, and cost benefit justifications are presented. Funding for the program can be a public health challenge. We offered recommendations to achieve this vital program.