This resource constitutes the first WHO guideline specifically on improving early childhood development (ECD). It provides direction for strengthening policies and programmes to better address ECD.
Who is it for?
For use by a wide audience, including policy-makers, development agencies and implementation partners, district and sub-national health managers, health workers and nongovernmental organizations.
Why is it useful?
- The guideline provides global, evidence-informed recommendations on improving ECD. It identifies and presents ECD-specific interventions and feasible approaches that are effective in improving developmental outcomes in children;
- It contains recommendations related to (i) providing responsive care and activities for early learning during the first three years of life; (ii) including responsive care and early learning as part of interventions for optimal nutrition of infants and young children; and iii) integrating psychosocial interventions to support maternal mental health into early childhood health and development services.