ABSTRACT
The origins of adult health and well-being stem from genetic-environmental interactions that begin in the rst 1000 days (conception through 24 months) (Pongcharoen et al. 2012; Shonkoff & Garner 2012). Children with adequate nutrition and opportunities for early learning and responsive caregiving have the best chances of thriving. In contrast, children raised in adverse conditions, characterized by poverty, nutritional deprivation, and limited access to opportunities for early learning and responsive caregiving, are at risk for negative health and social outcomes throughout their life course, including chronic diseases, mental illness, and lack of economic productivity. Estimates have found that over one-third of children under the age of 5 years in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC) are disadvantaged (not reaching their developmental potential) due to poverty, stunting, nutritional deciencies, and lack of opportunities for early learning and responsive caregiving (Grantham-McGregor et al. 2007).
