Advances in early childhood development: from neurons to large scale programs

Early childhood development (ECD) is the foundation of countries’ economic and social development and their ability to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Gestation and the first three years of life are critical for children to have adequate physical, psychosocial, emotional and cognitive development for the rest of their lives. Nurturing care and protection of children during gestation and early childhood are necessary for the development of trillions of neurons and synapses necessary for healthy development. ECD requires access to good nutrition and health services from gestation, responsive caregiving according to the child's developmental stage, social protection, child welfare, and early stimulation and learning opportunities. Six actions are recommended to improve national ECD programs: expand political will and funding; create a supportive, evidence-based policy environment; build capacity through inter-sectoral coordination; ensure fair and transparent governance of programs and services; increase support for multidisciplinary research, and promote the development of leaders. Mexico has made significant progress under the leadership of the Health Ministry but still faces major challenges. The recent creation of a national inter-sectoral framework to enable ECD with the support of international organizations and the participation of civil society organizations can help overcome these difficulties.