New Lancet Series: Early Childhood Development and the Next 1000 Days
About the Webinar
Building on the first 1,000 days of life that span from conception to two years of age, the ‘next 1,000 days’ of a child’s life from two to five years of age offer a window of opportunity to promote nurturing and caring environments, establish healthy behaviors, and build on early gains to sustain or improve trajectories of healthy development.
This new two-part Lancet series on early childhood development focuses on the transition to the ‘next 1,000 days’ of the life course, describing why this developmental period matters, identifying the environments of care, risks, and protective factors that shape children’s development, estimating the number of children who receive adequate nurturing care, and examining whether current interventions are meeting children’s needs.
In low- and middle-income countries, an estimated 181 million children 3- and 4-year-olds are not receiving nurturing care, thus jeopardizing their development. The series summarizes the evidence, benefits, and costs of key strategies to support children’s nurturing care and development in this age group, and explores the cost of inaction, finding that the societal cost of not implementing a basic early childhood care and education (ECCE) package at a global level is large, with an estimated foregone benefit of 8–19 times the cost of investing in ECCE.
The series stresses the need to provide access to adequate nurturing care, including equitable access to high quality ECCE, safe and supportive environments with adequate stimulation, protection from physical punishment, adequate nutrition to all children, universal developmental screening, and financial supports for vulnerable populations.
Click the link to watch the seminar recording: https://www.thelancet.com/webinars
Click the link to view the original article: https://mailchi.mp/ecdan.org/webinar-lac-private-sector-ecd-21066801?e=17e00ddf58
Speaker from HeLTI South Africa:
Dr. Catherine Draper
She is an Associate Professor in the SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. She has backgrounds in psychology, public health, and qualitative research. Dr Draper’s research interests include the development and evaluation of community-based interventions, and she is particularly interested in early childhood health and development. Dr. Draper is currently leading studies on early learning, social emotional development and mental health in young children in vulnerable settings in South Africa. She also leads the implementation science components of the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative South Africa Bukhali trial. Learn more about her here.
Exploring Social Support for Young Pregnant Women in Soweto
August 1, 2024
A new study from the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (HeLTI) examines the reasons and influencing factors behind pregnancy termination among young women in Soweto, South Africa. Published in the journal Reproductive Health, this research provides a socio-ecological perspective.
Conducted by K. Mabetha, et al., the study investigates the socio-economic, cultural, and personal factors that contribute to the decision to terminate pregnancies. Through a qualitative approach, the researchers reveal the significant challenges these young women face, such as stigma, economic hardship, and lack of support.
Key findings indicate that many young women feel pressured by their socio-economic circumstances and societal expectations, which significantly impact their reproductive choices. The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reproductive health services and support systems to address these diverse influences.
Overall, the research highlights the importance of creating an environment where young women can make informed reproductive health decisions without facing undue pressures or negative consequences. These insights are valuable for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders, contributing to the broader conversation about reproductive rights and health in South Africa.
HeLTI Principal Investigators to Present Groundbreaking Research at CCMB, India
July 26, 2024
Two Principal Investigators from the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (HeLTI) presented their cutting-edge research at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in India on July 31, 2024.
Dr. Stephen Matthews, the Canadian PI of HeLTI India, delivered titled "The Environment and the Developing Brain: A Complex and Continuing Conversation." Dr. Matthews, a Canada Research Chair in Early Development and Health, explored the intricate relationship between environmental factors and brain development, focusing on how the fetal brain interacts with endocrine, nutritional, and chemical cues while being protected by the blood-brain barrier and placenta.
Following this, Dr. Stephen Lye from HeLTI South Africa presented on "Preterm Labour: Mechanisms, Diagnostics and Therapeutics." Dr. Lye’s research investigates the role of maternal immune cells and localized inflammation in the onset of preterm labour, and his team’s development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics aimed at preventing preterm birth.
These presentations highlight HeLTI’s dedication to advancing global health through collaborative and innovative research. For ongoing updates about HeLTI’s research initiatives and events, follow @Alliance_HD and @HeltiOrg on Twitter and stay up-to-date with our news letter page.
Exploring Social Support for Young Pregnant Women in Soweto
July 22, 2024
A recent study by Khuthala Mabetha et al. sheds light on the crucial role of social support networks for young pregnant women in Soweto, South Africa. Conducted at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, the research involved in-depth interviews with 18 women aged 18-28 years, revealing how different types of support impact their pregnancy experiences.
The study found that positive reactions from partners and family members significantly enhance the acceptance of pregnancy and overall well-being. Emotional and instrumental support, such as financial assistance and practical help, were key contributors to positive pregnancy experiences. Conversely, negative or unsupportive reactions led to adverse outcomes, highlighting the importance of a supportive environment.
Informational support from peers, healthcare providers, and HeLTI trial staff also played a vital role. Participants reported that advice and education on pregnancy care improved their emotional well-being and pregnancy outcomes including reduced stress and anxiety, increased acceptance of pregnancy-related changes, engagement in healthy behaviors, and stronger supportive relationships. These factors collectively contribute to healthier birth outcomes and better maternal health.
Overall, the study emphasizes the need for culturally appropriate support and community-based initiatives to enhance social support for young pregnant women. It highlights that focusing on the unique needs of young pregnant women can help ensure healthier pregnancies and better maternal health outcomes in Soweto and similar communities.
HeLTI Canada PI, Dr. Cindy-Lee Dennis, appointed Heather M. Reisman Chair in Perinatal Nursing Research
July 10, 2024
We are delighted to announce that effective July 1, Dr. Cindy-Lee Dennis, PhD, FCAHS, has been appointed as the Heather M. Reisman Chair in Perinatal Nursing Research. This appointment is part of a collaboration between the Science of Care Institute, the Centre for Nursing Excellence, the Women’s and Infants’ Health Program at Sinai Health, and the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Dennis brings over 25 years of expertise in perinatal mental health research, having led significant studies and clinical trials. She continues her roles as Senior Scientist at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and Professor at the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto. Her research spans topics such as breastfeeding, postpartum depression, and e-health interventions, among others.
We congratulate Dr. Dennis on this prestigious appointment and look forward to her continued contributions in advancing perinatal nursing research and patient care.
The Handbook of DOHaD and Society Now Published!
June 25, 2024
The Handbook of DOHaD and Society has just been published by Cambridge University Press!b This interdisciplinary reference work covers the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) field, exploring how environmental factors impact health throughout the lifecourse. Edited by scholars from institutions worldwide, the book provides a comprehensive overview, key concepts, and examples of biosocial collaboration, making it valuable for public health scholars, epidemiologists, and social scientists. A highlight of the book is Chapter 21, "Building Biosocial Collaboration in the HeLTI–South Africa Trial," which focuses on the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (HeLTI) in South Africa. This chapter illustrates the dynamics of a biosocial approach in action and discusses the benefits of interdisciplinary research infrastructures in DOHaD intervention trials. Available as Open Access, the book is a significant contribution to the field, offering insights into both theoretical and practical aspects of DOHaD research. For more details, you can click here to view the book online.
HeLTI Meet the PI Event
June 10, 2024
On June 10th, principal investigators (PIs) and co-principal investigators (co-PIs) from various research projects within the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (HeLTI) gathered for an engaging "Meet the PI" event. This virtual meeting served as a platform for networking, sharing research progress, and exploring future collaborations. Our 50 attendees gained valuable insights into research developments in Canada, India, South Africa, and China, and discussed career development and guidance on grant writing, work-life balance and collaborations within various research fields. PIs and Co-PIs presented HeLTI projects and research progress on:
- Jean-Patrice Baillargeon: HeLTI China
- Kumar Gavali & Kalyanaraman Kumaran: HeLTI India
- Stephen Lye: HeLTI South Africa
- Cindy-Lee Dennis: HeLTI Canada
Breakout sessions included:
- Career Development and Work/Life Balance: Led by Jean-Patrice Baillargeon, Catherine Draper, and Andraea Van Hulst.
- Research Grant Development Considerations: Led by Stephen Lye and Linda Booij
- Leadership, Collaborations, and Team Development: Led by Raejean Hung and Alessandra Prioreschi.
The event emphasized community engagement, sustainability, and the importance of harmonization across projects. Early career researchers were encouraged to engage with PIs for collaboration opportunities and career development.
HeLTI RC & Council Meetings, 2024
Geneva, Switzerland, May 6-10, 2024
June 2, 2024
In May, the HeLTI Council and Research Committee met at the 9th annual meeting in Geneva, Switzerland to discuss exciting updates from the cohorts. Partners from Canada, China, India, South Africa, and the World Health Organization also shared insights and planned future priorities.
First Community Feedback; HeLTI South Africa Newsletter
May 30, 2024
This Newsletter is a report for the community forums that make up the areas represented within HeLTI SA. The purpose of this newsletter is to provide a summary of what the Community Leaders feel is important to convey. The newsletter has been developed based on the feedback from the Community Leaders!
Click here to read the newsletter.
Discover Bukhali now!
Great News! The Bukhali HeLTI South Africa study has released a new video about the project. This study addresses health challenges faced by women in South Africa through an 18-month community health worker intervention aimed at improving maternal and child health from preconception to post-delivery. Watch the video below.