Critical insights on nutrition and early childhood development

We recently wrapped up a truly memorable face-to-face event in Eswatini, bringing together leading healthcare experts to share critical insights on nutrition and early childhood development. The energy in the room was fantastic, and the knowledge shared is far too valuable to keep to ourselves.

1. Building Brains: Early Childhood Development Dr Charity Newton explores how neuroplasticity and responsive caregiving shape a child's brain, offering practical strategies to maximise early cognitive and emotional potential.
2. Neurodiversity in Early Practice Dr Monique Piderit reframes neurodiversity as a natural brain variation, guiding clinicians on how to spot early signs, break down stigma, and support neurodivergent children.
3. Nutrition During Pregnancy Dr Arnold Kabulu outlines how targeted maternal nutrition and essential micronutrients during gestation directly shape foetal growth, birth outcomes, and long-term infant health.
4. Preterm Nutrition & Neurodevelopment Dr H. Kemp maps the critical link between optimal early feeding and long-term neurodevelopment, showing how specific nutritional strategies drive physical catch-up growth in premature infants.
5. Strengthening Referral Pathways in MIYCN Dr Jackson Mukemba provides a roadmap for building stronger multidisciplinary networks, showing how seamless referral pathways between healthcare workers drastically improve maternal and infant nutrition outcomes.