In our increasingly global world, the quality and competence
of the future population hinges on the development of children who are born
today. Experts have recently estimated that 219 million children below age 5 in
developing countries are not reaching their development potential due to
adverse environments and experiences. Poverty, poor health and nutrition, as
well as lack of stimulation create lifelong developmental barriers that have
devastating effects on a person’s learning, productivity, and earning
potential. These effects result in unfortunate negative impacts on households,
national economies, and, potentially, global markets.
The largest number and highest prevalence of disadvantaged young
children live in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Just 10 countries account
for two-thirds of these children. The numbers at risk may be even larger,
however, because so many are not counted. What is clear is that these
vulnerable children are found beyond thepoorest families and across all social
gradients. The estimate of 219 million is thus conservative, but nevertheless a
strong basis for advocating global action to improve early child development at
all levels in all countries and, particularly, for poor and vulnerable children
in developing countries.
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