The LANCET has published a series of articles on “Child Development in Developing Countries 2” which consists of two articles and a comment. The series identifies gaps in implementation and coverage, calculates the economic costs of missed investments in early learning programmes, and presents new evidence on the causes and effects of developmental inequalities in early childhood. The first article looks at the evidence on risks and protective factors in early childhood development and identifies new risks not previously described. Risks in early childhood include inadequate cognitive stimulation, stunting, iodine deficiency, iron deficiency, intrauterine growth restriction, malaria, lead exposure, HIV infection, maternal depression, institutionalisation and exposure to violence.Protective factors include breastfeeding and maternal education.

The second article looks at the effectiveness of ECD intervention programmes in low-income and middle-income countries as well as the cost of investing in ECD. Interventions such as parenting support and pre-school enrolment, children’s educational media and cash transfers improve early childhood development and reduce inequalities perpetuated by poverty, poor nutrition and restricted learning opportunities.

The overall conclusion drawn by the series is that early childhood is the most effective time, and ECD the most effective vehicle, for addressing inequities, especially for the poorest children and that investment in ECD has lifetime benefits for the child and society.

WEB LINKS FOR THIS ARTICLE

Click here to view article 1 from the LANCET.

Click here to view article 2 from the LANCET.

Click here to view article 3 from the LANCET.