Educational activities for the prevention of neural tube defects using folic acid supplementation through public-private partnerships in Japan

Objectives: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are major congenital anomalies. To establish new and effective strategies to prevent these defects, public-private partnerships (PPPs) were formed between a healthcare company in Japan and numerous local governments to create educational activities regarding the importance of folic acid supplementation. Methods: Projects for promoting maternal and child health using healthcare products and services created by a healthcare company were proposed to local governments as PPPs. Results: Nine municipalities distributed folic acid supplements together with a Mother and Child Handbook while seven municipalities conducted surveys to identify people’s knowledge and behavior toward folic acid use. Conclusions: Recent studies have shown that periconceptional folic acid use improves many pregnancy outcomes; therefore, establishing educational activities regarding the importance of folic acid supplementation through PPPs is a rational and effective measure to promote maternal and child health.