Malnutrition is still a leading cause of death of young children throughout the world. For children under the age of two, the consequences of malnutrition are particularly severe, often irreversible, and reach far into the future. It is essential that children receive good nutrition right from the start. The first 1,000 days of a child’s life (from a mother’s pregnancy until the child’s second birthday) are the most crucial for determining their future development and success.
Nutrition-specific interventions are among the most impactful investments, particularly for women, adolescents and children. Limited access to health and nutrition at critical stages of life (including the early years, adolescence and pregnancy) can have lifelong consequences. It can continue cycles of intergenerational poverty and hold back women and girls from realizing their fullest potential.