Newborn Screening

There is a small window of time—less than two weeks—to test a newborn baby for treatable diseases.  If the baby has a disease and is not tested, the child can suffer from mental or physical retardation, blindness, or early death; however, if tested and detected, merely a simple change in diet and medication can allow the baby to live a full and healthy life.

The Sigi and Marilyn Ziering National Center for Newborn Screening will ensure that every baby born in Israel—over 150,000 annually—will be tested, regardless of race, religion, or social status, and can look forward to a healthy and productive life.

Doctors from Hadassah, Rabin, Shaare Zedek, Sourasky, and Sheba medical centers have come together in support of this important new center.

Beginning in 2009, the Israeli government has committed to cover all of the Center's operating expenses; however, start-up costs for the first years—$14.6 million—will come only from private support. Therefore, we are entering a critical phase of this four-year (2006-2009) campaign.

Be a part of the Sigi and Marilyn Ziering National Center for Newborn Screening—one of the most important and greatest healthcare initiatives Israel has ever seen.