WA Register of Developmental Anomalies (WARDA)
The Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies (sometimes referred to as WARDA or the Register) brings together two registers, the WA Birth Defects Registry and the WA Cerebral Palsy Register, under one banner to record and monitor developmental anomalies in WA.
Having a register like WARDA is very important. Approximately 1 baby in every 20 (5-6%) is born with a developmental anomaly in Western Australia and this may contribute to ongoing childhood health problems and disability and, in some cases, death.
WARDA collects information to keep track of where and when developmental anomalies are occurring in Western Australia. This information also guides research and helps to investigate causes, prevention and management of developmental anomalies.
Did you know?
In WA, it is estimated that a child is born with cerebral palsy every 5 days
Regulations
On January 7, 2011, the Health (Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies) Regulations 2010 were gazetted in the Western Australian State Parliament. This means that notification of developmental anomalies is required by law.
The decision to become statutory was reached by consensus, after consultation with health professionals, consumers and the community, and brings the Register in line with other health information collections in WA, such as the WA Midwives Notification of Birth System and the WA Cancer Registry.
More information