Speakers at a seminar hosted by icddr,b highlighted the importance of implementing early childhood stimulation programmes and promoting active participation alongside providing essential facilities for children's development.
The seminar showcased decades of research on early childhood development through government primary healthcare initiatives aimed at maximizing Bangladeshi children's potential for a smarter future. It says nearly 250 million children under five in developing countries, including Bangladesh, fail to reach their full developmental potential due to factors such as poverty, malnutrition, and inadequate parenting skills.
Health Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen attended as the chief guest, while State Minister for Health Dr. Rokeya Sultana and DGHS Director General Dr. Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam participated as special guests.
"The foundation for child development begins when the mother becomes pregnant and continues until the child is three years old, known as the 'golden opportunity' for early childhood development," said the speakers. During this pivotal period, a child’s learning experiences significantly influence their intelligence, behavior, and personality. Therefore, it is crucial to provide a nurturing environment enriched with love, play, and care to support their holistic development alongside ensuring the child’s health, nutrition, safety, and security.
To enhance a child’s development, family members, including fathers, must play an active role by attentively meeting the child’s needs, engaging in conversations to foster language skills, and providing age-appropriate toys for learning through play. Such collaborative efforts create a supportive environment that promotes the child’s growth and well-being.
Dr. Jena Derakhshani Hamadani, Emeritus Scientist at the Maternal and Child Health Division (MCHD) of icddr,b, presented on icddr,b’s extensive research showing that play-based child-rearing programs significantly enhance children's cognitive, language, physical, and behavioral development.
Dr. Hamadani reported that the Government of Bangladesh has prioritized early childhood development under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, specifically Target 4.2, which aims to ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education to prepare them for primary education. The government, in partnership with icddr,b, is implementing early childhood development programs through community clinics in the Primary Health Care system to enhance parents' childcare knowledge and skills, promoting holistic child development.
Currently, the program is implemented in 613 community clinics across 21 upazilas in four districts (Narsingdi, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Laxmipur). A total of 485 health and family planning officials have been trained on early childhood development, who then trained 1,821 frontline health workers, including Community Health Care Providers (CHCPs), Health Assistants (HAs), and Family Welfare Assistants (FWAs), to deliver these services. As a result, more than 14,000 caregivers of children aged 6-36 months have been trained. Icddr,b’s evaluation found that participating mothers have improved knowledge and skills in child nurturing practices, indicating the initiative’s potential in fostering talented children and shaping a smarter Bangladesh.
Dr. Hamadani concluded that comprehensive child development can be accelerated affordably through age-appropriate play. With the support of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there is hope to expand the program effectively to all community clinics in the country and help build a smarter Bangladesh.
Dr. Tahmeed Ahmed, Executive Director of icddr,b, delivered the welcome address, thanking the honourable ministers for their first visit to icddr,b and appreciating the Government’s partnership in early childhood development programs. He also presented some of icddr,b’s research, showcasing the organization’s impact over the years.
Health Minister Dr. Samanta Lal Sen stressed the importance of early childhood development and commended the initiative. “Children are the future of this country. If we can foster their mental development from childhood, undoubtedly, they will grow up to become leaders. So, we will continue to work together as a partner with icddr,b to promote child development,” said the Health Minister.
