About US
Profile of Birth Defects Foundation (BDF)
Legal Registration and Recognition
The Birth Defects Foundation (BDF) was officially registered in 2017 under the Societies Act of 1860. Following its registration, it was also recognized by the Charity Commission and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) as a legitimate nonprofit organization.
Mission and Focus Areas
BDF is dedicated to the treatment and surgical care of children with more than 18 types of congenital anomalies, with a special emphasis on:
Congenital Conditions and Their Prevention
- Intersex Conditions
Atypical development of sexual characteristics present at birth. - Cleft Lip and Palate
Congenital gaps or openings in the upper lip and/or roof of the mouth. - Meningocele / Myelomeningocele
Birth defects involving the spinal cord and vertebrae, often referred to as spina bifida. - Hydrocephalus
Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain at or after birth, causing head enlargement. - Intestinal Atresia
Congenital blockage or absence of a portion of the intestine. - Hirschsprung’s Disease
A birth defect where nerve cells are missing in the bowel, leading to intestinal obstruction. - Meconium Ileus
Blockage of the intestine caused by thick meconium, often linked to cystic fibrosis. - Imperforate Anus
Absence or improper development of the anal opening in newborns. - Inguinal Hernia and Hydrocele
Swelling or bulging in the groin area, often due to fluid or intestine pushing through. - Hypospadias
A condition where the opening of the urethra is not located at the tip of the penis. - Undescended Testes (Cryptorchidism)
One or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum before birth. - Clubfoot (Talipes Equinovarus)
A birth defect where one or both feet are twisted out of shape or position. - Acute Appendicitis in Children
Inflammation of the appendix requiring prompt medical attention. - Burn Injuries in Children
Prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation for pediatric burn cases. - Neonatal Jaundice
Yellowing of the skin and eyes in newborns due to high bilirubin levels. - Vomiting in Neonates
Causes and management of persistent vomiting in newborns. - Rectal Bleeding in Children
Identification and treatment of bleeding from the rectum in pediatric patients. - Neonatal Tetanus
A serious bacterial infection causing muscle stiffness and spasms in newborns.
- Children with ambiguous genitalia
- Transgender individuals requiring medical intervention
- Lifelong care for patients with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
Lifelong Support for CAH Patients
CAH patients require two essential medications — Hydrocortisone and Fludrocortisone — for their entire lives. BDF proudly provides these medications 100% free of charge, regardless of the family’s financial background.
“Care Foundation USA provides comprehensive virtual outpatient consultations for CAH patients of the Birth Defects Foundation, assisting with medication dose adjustments directly from the USA.”
National Network of Centers
BDF currently operates five fully functional centers across Pakistan:
- Two centers in Lahore
- One each in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Bahawalpur
To address the research gap on CAH, BDF established Pakistan’s first dedicated CAH Research Center in Bahawalpur.
Breakthrough Medical and Surgical Services – Completely Free for Everyone
- Over 18,500 surgeries(Till November 2025) performed for children born with cleft lips and palates
- More than 371 gender-affirming or corrective surgeries(Till November,2025) conducted for children with ambiguous genitalia
- Monthly support to over 300 families for free access to essential CAH medications
Free Outpatient Services
BDF offers completely free General OPD services across all its centers, including:
- Medical consultations
- Prescription medications
- Ultrasound diagnostics
To date, BDF has served:
- Over 800,000 patients through its general OPD
- More than 12,000 free ultrasounds (Till November,2025)
Transgender Counseling
450 Counseling
No consultation fees or charges are ever collected at any stage.
Rehabilitation & Empowerment Project
To promote long-term independence, BDF has launched an inclusive “Rehabilitation and Empowerment” initiative. This program trains:
- Intersex and transgender individuals
- Children with cleft conditions
- Orphans
- General public
Training Areas Include:
- Social media management
- Graphic design and video editing
- Web development
- Digital skills for self-employment
Participants are not only trained but also supported in launching their own businesses — empowering them to become entrepreneurs and leaders.
Educational Advocacy and Curriculum Development
Recognizing the lack of medical education on intersex health and gender dysphoria, BDF — with support from its Advisory Board — has designed a specialized academic course. This course has been presented to:
- Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC)
The aim is to integrate this course into BS/MS level university curricula, cultivating a new generation of informed, empathetic healthcare providers equipped to serve marginalized communities.
Understanding the Difference Between Transgender and Intersex – Birth Defects Foundation
There is often confusion between transgender individuals and intersex (khunsa) children, though both are entirely different in nature, cause, and treatment.
Intersex (Khunsa):
These are children born with ambiguous genitalia or unclear sexual characteristics due to a birth defect. Such cases are medically treatable. Through proper diagnosis and corrective surgery, their biological sex — granted by Allah at birth — can be clarified. Islam allows and supports such medical correction to help the child live a normal life.
Transgender:
A transgender person, on the other hand, is someone who psychologically feels that their gender identity differs from their biological sex. This is recognized as a psychological condition (Gender Dysphoria), not a physical defect. Islam does not permit surgical alteration of one’s gender, as it involves changing the natural creation of Allah. The appropriate treatment is psychological counseling and rehabilitation, not surgery.
At Birth Defects Foundation (BDF), both medical correction for intersex children and psychological guidance for transgender individuals are provided
Birth Defect Foundation Achievements
Intersex surgeries
0
Transgender Counseling
0
cleft and palate surgeries
0
life time medicine for CAH46xx
0
General OPD
0
Bridging Nations for a Brighter Future Consul General of Japan
Mr. ISOMURA TOSHIKAZU in Karachi Addresses the Grand Opening
Of Birth Defects Foundation’s Karachi e-health Centre .
We were honored to welcome Dr. Claire Pamment (USA) to the Birth Defects Foundation, where she visited our facilities and appreciated our ongoing efforts for children born with congenital anomalies.
Representatives from the Embassy of Japan visited the Rawalpindi Center of the Birth Defects Foundation, appreciating our initiatives for the treatment and rehabilitation of children with congenital anomalies
renowned women’s organization Inner Wheel based in the UK (Manchester), boasts a global presence with
more than 190 branches across different countries. Our dedicated team at Inner Wheel is
committed to providing support to Birth Defects Foundation. We are proud to select Birth
Defects Foundation as our designated partner for the 2023-24 term, Inner Wheel’s Pakistan chapter dedicated its support to Birth Defects Foundation and received an award for championing this unique cause. BDF representatives Mrs. Nooreen Ansar and Miss Furqan joined the Inner Wheel team in celebrating this achievement.
A delegation of foreign doctors from the United Kingdom visited and, under the Birth Defect Foundation, performed five highly sensitive surgeries completely free of charge. After the successful completion of one of these remarkable surgeries, the patient Annum from Kamoki,Pakistan joined the medical team for a photo.
Professor Dr. Afzal Sheikh, Chief Surgeon of the Birth Defect Foundation, examining children with ambiguous genitalia during the weekly OPD.
In the weekly OPD for children with ambiguous genitalia, families wait for their turn with hope and patience. The Birth Defect Foundation provides this OPD service completely free of cost — offering equal care and treatment to every patient, regardless of their financial status, whether rich or poor.
Professor Dr. Afzal Sheikh –Chief Surgeon of Birth Defects Foundation A True Deserving Recipient of the Pride of Performance Award
is a remarkable humanitarian and medical professional who has successfully performed thousands of cleft lip and palate surgeries.
Every surgery at the Foundation — especially those conducted purely on a charity basis — has been performed under his skilled hands and dedicated supervision.
Dr. Afzal Sheikh’s tireless efforts and unmatched commitment to serving children born with facial deformities are a shining example of compassion, excellence, and service to humanity.
On behalf of Birth Defects Foundation and Chairman Ansar Javaíd, we earnestly appeal to the Government of Pakistan to recognize his extraordinary services by honouring him with the “Pride of Performance Award.”
Group photo of children with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH 46XX), a condition affecting mostly girls (about 97%). These children underwent successful surgeries supported entirely through charity by generous donors. They require lifelong medication — Fludrocortisone and Hydrocortisone — which are also provided to them completely free of cost by the Birth Defect Foundation.
After successfully conducting the seminar at Fountain House, Lahore, which was hosted by the
Akhwet Foundation, the focus of the seminar was “How We Can Support the Transgender
Community.” The speakers included Chairman Ansar Javaid and Dr. Liaqat Ali Mirza, an
Endocrinologist from the Birth Defects Foundation, along with Uzma, the Director of Akhwet Foundation, who gathered with members of the transgender community for a group photo.
Assembly of God Church, Youhanabad, Lahore,Pakistan to deliver an important awareness session on the difference between transgender and intersex individuals.
The Chairman of the Birth Defects Foundation addressed the congregation, highlighting the importance of understanding, acceptance, and equal medical care for every human being—regardless of gender, color, race, or religion.
It is worth mentioning that the Foundation has previously conducted similar awareness sessions at Koy Luke Path Church and various other churches, continuing its mission to educate and support communities across Pakistan.
Empowering Change Chairman Ansar Javaid Addresses Audience at Governor House,
Accompanied by the Governor of Punjab, Ch, Mohammad Sarwar
The Governor of Punjab, Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar, met Mr. Ansar Javaid, Chairman of Birth Defects Foundation, and commended the organization’s dedication to improving child health, awareness, and rehabilitation for children with birth defects.
Strengthening Commitments Federal Finance Minister Mr. Shuakat Tareen Joins Chairman Ansar Javaid of BDF & TRWS to Pledge Sponsorship of Two Centers in Honor of Our Beloved Parents
Collaborative Efforts for Healthcare Provincial
Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal, at united Christian
hospital, host by Birth Defects foundation
“Director General Research, Dr. Inam Ullah, Council of Islamic Ideology, Islamabad,Pakistan with Ansar Javaid, Chairman of Birth Different Foundation, Noreen Ansar, Vice Chairperson, and Tahira Jaweed Chaudhry, Head of Department, Health Center, in a group photo at the Council office.”
A meeting was held with the former Chief Justice Supreme Court of Pakistan, Honourable Mr. Justice Saqib Nisar, and his esteemed spouse, wherein Mr. Ansar Javaid, Chairman of the Birth Defects Foundation, and the Vice Chairperson Noreen Ansar of the organization were present, engaging in a thoughtful and inspiring group interaction.”
National and International Media Coverage
The impactful work of the Birth Defects Foundation (BDF) has gained wide recognition across both national and international media platforms, reflecting our dedication to improving the lives of children born with congenital anomalies.
Our initiatives, awareness campaigns, and success stories have been featured by leading global and local media organizations, including:
-
BBC World – Highlighting BDF’s groundbreaking efforts in supporting children with birth defects and promoting inclusive healthcare in Pakistan. -
Voice of America (VOA) and Voice of Asia – Showcasing our mission to provide free treatment, awareness, and rehabilitation for affected families, and raising international awareness about congenital conditions. -
Geo News, Hum News, Samaa TV, and Qutub-ud-Din Online Show – Covering BDF’s community outreach programs, success stories of treated children, and advocacy for intersex and congenital health rights.
Voice of America team with chairman Ansar Javaid and chief surgeon Dr.Afzal Sheihk of Birth Defects Foundation
Mr. Ansar Javaid Khan, the Chairman of the Birth Defects Foundation, following a reporting session
with the BBC News Team, which included Miss Farhat Rabani, took a moment to reflect.
Team of Birth Defects Foundation with Al-Jazeera channel for the filming of the documentary on Birth Defects Foundation
Prominent Personalities Who Support Our Mission
PJ Mir, former cricketer and senior journalist, is Ambassador of Birth Defects Foundation and delivered an inspiring speech during a seminar on raising awareness about congenital anomalies and child health.
Khawaja Junaid, former captain of the Pakistan hockey team, Pride of Performance award recipient, and member of the Pakistan Olympic hockey team, has joined the Birth Defects Foundation as our Brand Ambassador, supporting our mission to improve the lives of children born with congenital anomalies.
Mr. Ansar Javaid, Chairman of the Birth Defects Foundation, met with the President of Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at supporting children born with congenital anomalies and improving access to free healthcare across Pakistan.
In a heartfelt gesture of support, Samia Saleem (President, Inner Wheel UK Pakistan Chapter) and Neelam Rana (General Secretary), in the presence of Chairman Ansar Javaid and Vice Chairperson Noreen Ansar, presented a donation cheque to Professor Dr. Afzal Sheikh, Chief Surgeon of the Birth Defect Foundation, for the welfare of transgender and intersex children.
Islamic Ideology Council of Pakistan Approves Medical and Social Support for Intersex and Transgender Individuals
Briefing:
A Historic Milestone: Birth Defect Foundation and Islamic Ideology Council of Pakistan Align on Faith and ScienceThe Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) of Pakistan, in its 242nd session, has issued a landmark resolution recognizing the medical and ethical work of the Birth Defect Foundation.According to the Council’s ruling, ambiguous genitalia (intersex condition) is a congenital defect, and Islam permits corrective surgery to restore natural biological identity. The Council affirmed that such medical treatment is fully compliant with Quranic principles and Shariah, as it seeks to correct a birth abnormality rather than alter divine creation.The Birth Defect Foundation conducts intersex corrective surgeries in strict accordance with Islamic and ethical medical standards, ensuring every procedure aligns with compassion, faith, and science.In contrast, the Council clarified that transgender identity stems from psychological and emotional factors, known as gender dysphoria, which requires psychological treatment, not surgical alteration. The Foundation does not perform any transgender surgeries, maintaining full adherence to Islamic teachings.Furthermore, the Council declared that Zakat, donations, and charitable contributions toward the Birth Defect Foundation are permissible under Shariah, as the organization’s mission directly serves the cause of medical welfare and human dignity.This declaration marks a historic achievement — a profound moment where Islam and medical science stand together on one page, working hand in hand for humanity’s well-being. One Line Summary:“Birth Defect Foundation: Where Islam and Medical Science Unite.”
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Birth Defects Foundation
Account No 2000540997
For online donations
Ansar Javed
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Chairman Birth Defect Foundation
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Ansar Javed
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Chairman Birth Defect Foundation