Dar es Salaam, April 4 -- DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has emphasised the urgent need for women to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of giving birth to children with autism, as the number of cases continues to rise.

Statistics show that over 20,000 children are born with autism in the country annually, yet only 1,416 receive specialised services.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Godwin Mollel highlighted key preventive measures, including maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and undergoing health checkups before and during pregnancy.

Dr Mollel made the calls during the commemoration of World Autism Day, warning that the increasing number of children with autism underscores the growing ne...