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Early Child Development

  • See UNICEF’s data on ECD


  • Read our blogs about ECD


  • #EatPlayLove

    Life’s early years have a profound impact on a child’s future. When loved, nourished and cared for in safe and stimulating environments, children develop the skills they need to embrace opportunity and bounce back from adversity. But nearly 43% of children under 5 in low- and middle-income countries are not getting the nutrition, protection and stimulation they need. This diminishes both the child’s potential and sustainable growth for society at large.

  • The good news is that early childhood presents an incomparable window of opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life. The right interventions at the right time can counter disadvantage and boost a child’s development.

    Across the world, UNICEF’s early childhood development programmes offer interventions that combine nutrition, protection and stimulation and support parents, caregivers and communities – to help vulnerable children get a fair start in life.