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Early childhood care at alarmingly poor rate in low and middle-income countries: research
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Children play on a seesaw in a park located at the West Flood Canal banks in Petamburan, Central Jakarta, on Sept. 14. (JP/P.J.LEO)
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lmost half of all children under five in low and middle-income countries are at an elevated risk of poor development due to extreme poverty and stunting, according to research findings.
The Lancet's new series, "Advancing Early Childhood Development: from Science to Scale", has found that an estimated 43 percent, or approximately 249 million children, do not have access to appropriate childhood development interventions and nurturing care, according to a statement received by The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.
"No country can risk losing nearly half of the brain potential of its youngest citizens — low and middle-income countries least of all," UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake said in the statement.
He noted the findings as an alarm bell since millions of children are not achieving their cognitive potential.
The research, which was supported by a number of relevant global NGOs, estimated that proper care may cost as little as US 50 cents (Rp 6,500) per child per year when combined with existing services such as health.
A child's brain develops fastest in the first 2-3 years, making them the most critical period of adaptability and responsiveness to interventions, it noted.
"When young children are deprived of nutrition, stimulation and protection, the damaging effects can produce long-term detriments for families and communities," the statement said.
Recommendations from research authors include stressing the importance of encouraging the adoption and implementation of policies to create supportive environments for families to provide nurturing care. Expanding political will and funding through advocacy for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is also crucial, it went on. (rin)
