The “1,000-day window” as an organizing agenda is a new and relatively unknown concept in the United States despite its established role in global health. But, there is opportunity to unite public health communities through the relevant, compelling framework.
We believe further focus on creating the best conditions for families in their 1,000-day window can change the trajectory of the path we’re on. We seek to present a comprehensive picture of the state of the science, research needs, and a policy agenda for optimal maternal and child health in the United States through a dedicated series in the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH).
A child’s brain develops faster from birth to age three than at any later period in life, building the foundation for all future learning, behavior, and health. However, an unfortunate “best kept secret” is the role nutrition plays as the building block for this rapid growth. How well or how poorly mothers and children are nourished during this time has a profound impact on a child’s ability to grow, learn and thrive. Save the date – the American Journal of Public Health will publish a special series about nutrition in the 1,000-day window – the time from pregnancy to the baby’s second birthday – on October 26, 2022. Three papers from the series have been released ahead of the issue launch.
To learn more about the series and access turnkey tools, such as social media graphics and template materials, the 1,000 Days initiative of FHI Solutions built this marketing toolkit: https://adobe.ly/3LbzHTD. Help us reinforce the need for nutrition security so that all families have consistent and equitable access to healthy, safe, affordable foods essential to optimal health and well-being.