Study: 182M children in poorer nations lack vital nurturing care, risking development.

A new study in The Lancet reveals that 182 million children in low- and middle-income countries lack adequate nurturing care, risking healthy development. The "next 1,000 days" from age two to five are crucial for nurturing care. Fewer than one-third of children aged three or four attend early childhood care programs. The study calls for increased investment in high-quality care, including adequately trained teachers and child-centered activities. It also highlights emerging environmental risks like air pollution and chemical exposure. Providing one year of early childhood care would cost less than 0.15% of GDP and yield 8-19 times the benefits.

November 19, 2024
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