Active surveillance: an essential tool in safeguarding the health and well-being of children and youth.

The article comments on a study of the incidence of vitamin D-deficiency rickets in Canada using the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program. The affected children presented with clinical manifestations of rickets, such as skeletal deformities and delayed developmental milestones. It notes that the surveillance system has definite advantages over more traditional passive reporting systems. It cites that the research demonstrates the need for increased efforts by health care providers to ensure adequate vitamin D intake for mothers and infants.