[originaltext] A birth defect intervention project began on Tuesday in North

A birth defect intervention project began on Tuesday in North China’s Shanxi Province, targeting a reduction in the high rate of birth defects in some parts of the province.
   With the country’s average rate of such defects in the past two decades at 1.3 per cent, the rate in Shanxi Province remains at 1.8 per cent, according to statistics. The rate in some mountain areas in the province has reached an alarming 4 to 6 per cent.
   Experts believe the high rate of birth defects there is related to a lack of basic vitamins for women in the early stages of their pregnancies. An ample vitamin supply has been shown by scientists to be important to proper embryonic development, which can reduce the rate of some birth defects and improve the quality of births.
   To improve the nutritional conditions for local people, the project plans to add vitamins into flour, a staple food in the area. The nutrients to be added will be provided by various international organizations. The project has gained support from the World Health Organization, United Nations Children’s Fund, and International Life Science Institute.
   It is expected that by next January that flour with the added nutrients will be given to an estimated 250,000 residents.
   And inspection and evaluation will be carried out along with the project, and successful experiences will be extended to areas with similar situations.
   The project is sponsored by Shanxi provincial government and the country’s Healthy Baby Promotion Programme.