Climate change affects children’s development in different ways and extreme heat is a crucial factor that must be kept in mind. Last year – 2023 – was estimated to be the hottest year on record, ever since temperatures began to be recorded. Heat waves are occurring with greater frequency and lasting for longer periods of time. We are experiencing much higher temperatures than … [Read more...] about Extreme Heat and Its Impact on Early Child Development: How Can We Protect Young Children?
Healthier children, in healthier cities
Among the initiatives of the IDB Cities Lab, a now widely spread documentary has circulated a provocative phrase: "Your zip code affects your health more than your genetic code." But what does that mean? A zip code is a number assigned to identify and locate a given geographical area. The genetic code is the set of information and rules that determine cell reproduction. How can … [Read more...] about Healthier children, in healthier cities
How do we preserve quality as we scale up programs to improve child development and alleviate poverty?
During the IDB Group's Knowledge Week on October 23–27, academics, regional and international experts, and IDB specialists met to share experiences on topics that are critical to the planet’s future. At the event, I had the chance to talk with Sally Grantham-McGregor, Emeritus Professor of Child Health and Nutrition at University College London (UCL), and Sebastián Martínez, … [Read more...] about How do we preserve quality as we scale up programs to improve child development and alleviate poverty?
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty & Early Childhood: How to innovate with impact?
Poverty is not just a lack of income: It is a multidimensional phenomenon comprising the satisfaction of multiple needs that are not necessarily related to financial resources. But, what does this have to do with Early Childhood Development? Although there are still knowledge gaps, the evidence is compelling: quality investments in early childhood are the most effective … [Read more...] about International Day for the Eradication of Poverty & Early Childhood: How to innovate with impact?
Mental health in young children: what is it, and why is it important?
Certain mental health problems can emerge during early childhood and have serious, lifelong consequences for learning, social skills, and physical health. Children can develop disorders like anxiety, attention deficit disorder, impulse-control disorder, behavioral problems, depression, post-traumatic stress, and neurodevelopment disabilities, like autism, among others. Young … [Read more...] about Mental health in young children: what is it, and why is it important?