WHO's Human Genetics areas of work Craniofacial Anomalies (CFA)
affect a significant proportion of the global society. Cleft lip
and/or palate, for example, occurs in approximately 1 per
500-700 births varying considerably across geographic areas or
ethic groups. The costs incurred from CFA in terms of morbidity,
health care, social and employment exclusion, are considerable
for affected individuals, their families and society. It is
estimated that 80% of orofacial clefts are nonsyndromic and of
multifactorial origin, both genetic and environmental, the
latter being especially important in prevention. Current
research regarding CFA falls into three related areas –
etiology, prevention, and treatment. Unfortunately, much of this
research is being conducted independently, with little evidence
of a coherent global strategy. One way to avoid it is to achieve
broader coverage of priority research needs by bringing together
international researchers through collaborative partnerships,
and to develop global consensu