Conducts and supports laboratory research, clinical trials, and studies with people that explore health processes. NICHD researchers examine growth and development, biologic and reproductive functions, behavior patterns, and population dynamics to protect and maintain the health of all people.
Examines the impact of disabilities, diseases, and defects on the lives of individuals. With this information, the NICHD hopes to restore, increase, and maximize the capabilities of people affected by disease and injury.
Sponsors training programs for scientists, doctors, and researchers to ensure that NICHD research can continue. By training these professionals in the latest research methods and technologies, the NICHD will be able to conduct its research and make health research progress until all children, adults, families, and populations enjoy good health.
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Since it was founded, the efforts of the NICHD have successfully affected the lives of children, adults, and families in a number of ways, including:
Infant deaths have dropped more than 70 percent, mostly due to NICHD research that introduced new ways to treat and prevent infant breathing problems, manage the care of premature infants, and reduce and prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Many causes of mental retardation have been identified and, in some cases, eliminated as factors in brain development, as a result of NICHD research in preventing and correcting these conditions. Some of the causes of mental retardation that no longer pose threats to our children’s health include Hemophilus influenzae Type B (HIB) meningitis (prevented by a vaccine developed by NICHD), phenylketonuria (PKU), congenital hypothyroidism, and jaundice.
Infertility that at one time kept millions of couples from having babies of their own can now often be treated and reversed, thanks to NICHD research into fertility techniques and infertility treatments and causes.
Advances in social, physical, and behavioral treatments for people with mental, developmental, and physical disabilities were made possible through NICHD research aimed at improving teaching methods, managing behavior, increasing mobility, and removing barriers to allow those with mental or physical |
disabilities to be active members of their communities. Progress made by the NICHD in rehabilitation and rehabilitation technology has also helped to change society’s attitudes about people with disabilities, which enables them to lead more normal lives.
Sound, scientific information about the effectiveness of different contraceptive methods for women, men, and couples has resulted from NICHD research. In addition to developing scientific leads for new contraceptive methods, this research has provided important information about the factors that contribute to effective contraceptive use. Advances resulting from this research allow women, men, and couples to achieve their fertility desires.
Transmission of HIV from infected mothers to their babies dropped from 25 percent to only 2 percent, following discoveries made by researchers at the NICHD and their colleagues in the medical and academic communities, and through the work of other NIH Institutes to reduce and prevent the spread of this disease. Treatment of HIV in children has also improved through the research efforts of the NICHD and other NIH Institutes.
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