The Alberta Government is planning to invest $6 million in an expanded Alberta Newborn Screening Program.
According to a release from the Canadian CMV Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about congenital cytomegalovirus, the government allocation will enable the addition of five critical conditions, including congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), argininosuccinic aciduria, guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency, mucopolysaccharidosis type 1, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA lyase to the screening panel.
In a release, the foundation said that CMV is one of the most common viral infections in newborns and can lead to severe health issues if not detected and managed early on.
By screening for CMV at birth, the group says they have an opportunity to intervene promptly and initiate appropriate medical care, potentially mitigating the impact of this virus on infants and their families.
“We commend the Alberta Government for prioritizing the importance of early detection and intervention for babies affected by congenital CMV and other life-altering congenital diseases,” said Lisa Robinson and Lindsay Craig, Albertan parent advocates for the Canadian CMV Foundation.
“The investment of $6 million to add these five additional conditions to the Alberta Newborn Screening Program demonstrates the government’s commitment to the health and well-being of its maternal and newborn population.”
