II. Graphs and Charts on Rehabilitation Services for People with Mental Retardation

A. Health and Medical Care

Infant mortality in Japan is now one of the lowest in the world. The improvement of maternal　and child health has brought changes in the disease structure, so that mental retardation and　congenital malformation have now become prominent among the causes of disabilities in　children. Health and medical care programs for persons with mental retardation are classified　into prevention, early detection and intervention, and multidisciplinary care for persons with　severe disabilities.

1. Prevention and Early Intervention Services in Japan

Prevention of mental retardation is one of the most important objectives of maternal and child　health services. Health examination and guidance for pregnant women, monitoring of the　condition of the fetus, and safe delivery in the hospital have been encouraged. These policies　have resulted in decreasing numbers of low-weight babies and decreasing perinatal mortality,　as well as fewer children with cerebral palsy.

2. Mass Screening Program for Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Congenital Hypothyroidism

From 1977, a nationwide newborn mass screening program has been conducted to detect　inborn errors of metabolism. During 1990 and 1991, 99.8% of all live birth in Japan were　subjected to blood collection for the Guthrie test this screening program has almost eliminated　the occurrence of mental retardation associated with phenylketonuria and cretinism. The　success of this program was facilitated by the fact that 99.8% of birth are now delivered in　hospitals, obstetricians' clinics, and maternal and child health centers.

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