Women, Children, and Early Child Development

Human life starts with the health and social conditions of the woman, which are shaped by intrinsic factors and past experiences and prospects. Investment in improving the health and well-being of the mother and the child starting from very early on optimizes human capital, helps to break the cycle of poverty, and reduces inequity throughout the life course of an individual.

Every human æra has important elements to offer that shapes health. These will be manifested sooner or later in life. Healthy child development includes not only physical development but also emotional, behavioral, cognitive, language and general learning. It is during childhood that the blueprints for future development are laid.

“Many of the things we need can wait.

The child cannot... To him we cannot answer ‘Tomorrow,’ his name is Today”.

- Gabriela Mistral, Nobel Laureate

Our Approach

It is during childhood that the blueprints for future development are laid. Investment in improving health and well-being starting from very early on optimizes human capital and reduces inequity throughout the life course of an individual.

We offer multi-sectoral, culturally sensitive cross-regional research, consolidation and promotion of evidence and knowledge on the health of women, mothers, and children, beyond medical interventions. This includes specific nurturing activities covering children’s development from birth to age five and the repercussions in later periods during youth and adolescence.

On these priorities, we have been working together with the UN Organisations, National and International Health Research Councils, Health Care Professional Associations, Universities, funding partners, and civil society organizations.