The first 1000 days of life, which refers to the period of development from conception to age 2, have garnered widespread recognition in recent decades as the most critical window of child development. Health and nutrition during this critical period have enduring implications for childhood and adulthood health, as well as cognitive and noncognitive development and overall well-being. Consequently, there is a growing momentum to allocate additional resources towards promoting health and nutrition during the first 1000 days of life. This investment is necessary to maintain developmental potential, particularly considering global challenges such as malnutrition resulting from food supply difficulties and limited medical resources exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, from economic perspective, this investment is deemed cost-effective. Therefore, urgent research is needed not only to address scientific inquiries but also policy issues aimed at enhancing maternal-child health and nutrition.

This research topic aims to concentrate on several key objectives related to maternal and infant nutrition and health during the first 1000 days of life (from conception to age two): firstly, identifying the most pressing challenges faced particularly in developing nations; secondly, exploring potential barriers impeding adequate and optimal health and nutrition for mothers and infants during this pivotal period; thirdly, examining the short-term and long-term consequences associated with maternal and infant health and nutrition; lastly, investigating effective programs and policy interventions and strategies.

We welcome submissions that address the topics of maternal and infant health and nutrition from a public health perspective or discuss policy and program investments from economic and policy perspectives. Priority will be given to studies generating and utilizing unique datasets from developing countries. Areas of focus include:

● Infant nutrition: e.g., anemia prevalence, exclusive breastfeeding rates, complementary feeding practices, stunting prevalence, overweight issues.
● Infant health: e.g., instances of preterm delivery, low birth weight, infant disease burdens.
● Caregiver mental health (including pregnant women): e.g., anxiety and stress disorders, maternal depression.
● Maternal health and nutrition: e.g., anemia prevalence, frequency of antenatal examinations, folic acid supplementation, and conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
● Effectiveness of interventions promoting maternal and infant nutrition and health.
● Health and nutrition policies within the context of specific countries.
● Consequences of the first 1000-day maternal and infant health and nutrition: e.g., immediate impacts on infant well-being and long-term physical and mental development ramifications.

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Frontiers in Public Health

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