Investing in the youngest: Early childhood care and development in emergencies

The first 8 years of a child’s life are the most critical in terms of development.

Research has shown that under-nutrition, stressful conditions and poor stimulation during these years can affect brain structure and function.

Between 2002 and 2006, 1.5 billion children in 42 countries were affected by crises. They may have survived the immediate disaster, but without interventions specifically aimed at their developmental needs, many may suffer the adverse effects for the rest of their lives.

This report explains how – when disasters strike – Plan is working to save not just children’s lives, but their futures too. It shows the different impacts that disasters and emergencies can have on young children, and how Plan’s early childhood care and development (ECCD) in emergencies work is helping to limit those impacts.