Operationalizing nurturing care for early childhood development: the role of the health sector alongside other sectors and actors

Overview

The Nurturing care framework launched in 2018 summarized the evidence on why nurturing care is essential for young children and what caregivers need in order to provide. This guidance note builds on the Framework. It specifically targets the health sector and aims to catalyse country-level dialogue and action focusing on health service delivery and systems strengthening while also outlining complementary actions by other sectors. It is relevant for national governments, specifically ministries of health, and for national and global development partners and other stakeholders. Key sectors that should engage in this operationalization include health, nutrition, education and protection.