Description
The Early Moments Matter! campaign draws attention to the first 1,000 days in a child’s life, which are underpinning his/her future development and success in school and, later on, in life, since more than 80% of the brain develops by the age of three.
Early childhood researchers and experts used the latest findings of neurology to draw attention to the ingredients of optimal brain development and the ways to ensure them for every child. The primary elements are nutrition, protection and responsive stimulation. With every hug and kiss, with every nutritious meal and each game you play together, you are contributing to your child’s development.
Five elements are required for healthy development in early childhood:
Healthcare: immunisation, disease prevention and timely and adequate treatment, drinking water, cleanliness and hygiene.
Adequate nutrition: a diet that meets nutrition needs for optimal growth and development, including early initiation and continuation of exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months, food diversity and frequent feeding.
Protection: against violence, abuse, neglect, environmental hazards, including air pollution and prolonged exposure to other adversities.
Care: permanent interaction with a parent or caregiver, which may include feeding, playing, singing or dialoguing.
Early learning: access to early education services, such as nursery and other early learning opportunities that entail the use of toys, books and interactions with adults and peers.
To promote the importance of healthy development of children in their first three years of life, UNICEFis implementing a series of annualcampaigns that tackle topics such as: immunisation, early identification of disabilities, care and early learning.
Every child has the right to health. Vaccines are the safest way to protect children, preventing potentially lethal diseases. Each year, vaccines save up to three million lives worldwide.