WHO Nurturing Care Framework | 23 May 2018
CoE-HUMAN researchers contributed to the preparation of the framework and accompanying country profiles
The WHO Nurturing Care Framework was launched in Geneva on 23 May at a side event of the Ninety-First World Health Assembly (21-26 May 2018). Prof Richter and two other lead investigators supported the development of a WHO Nurturing Care Framework and the publication of country profiles of ECD indicators per country: both will assist ‘Countdown 2030’ which is tracking the Sustainable Development Goals.
Read the Nurturing Care Framework, its Executive Summary and the 91 Country Profiles here.
A video of the launch event can be viewed here.
Investing in early childhood development is one of the best investments a country can make to boost economic growth, promote peaceful and sustainable societies, and eliminate extreme poverty and inequality. Equally important, investing in early childhood development is necessary to uphold the right of every child to survive and thrive.
All children need nurturing care to develop their full potential – it is vital for healthy growth and development. The time from pregnancy to three years of age, when the brain is most susceptible to environmental influences, is crucial.
Nurturing care not only promotes physical, emotional, social and cognitive development, it also protects young children from the worst effects of adversity. It produces lifelong and intergenerational benefits for health, productivity and social cohesion.
A Framework for Nurturing Care for Early Childhood Development
The Nurturing Care Framework was created in response to strong evidence (see the Lancet Series ) and growing recognition that the early years are critical for human development.
Commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Strategy provide the impetus for countries and stakeholders to act. More than 1000 individuals and organizations from 111 countries informed the drafting process of this framework.
The Framework was developed by WHO, UNICEF and the World Bank, in collaboration with the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health, the Early Childhood Development Action Network and many other partners.
Investing in early childhood development is one of the best investments a country can make to boost economic growth, promote peaceful and sustainable societies, and eliminate extreme poverty and inequality. Equally important, investing in early childhood development is necessary to uphold the right of every child to survive and thrive.
The Framework provides an evidence-based roadmap for action and outlines how policies and services can support parents, families, other caregivers and communities in providing nurturing care for young children. It calls for attention to be paid to communities where children are most at risk of being left behind.
Find out more at http://nurturing-care.org/