Childhood development

Child health, in a broad sense, includes child development: the appropriate development (in terms of age and context) of children’s cognitive, language, social and emotional abilities. While good health is required for children to fulfil their developmental potential, they also need affection, stimulation and guidance.

The quality of care children receive strongly determines their psycho-social development, including their intellectual achievement and social and behavioural adjustment. In turn, children’s development contributes to national development. Conditions of poverty and high rates of disease, including AIDS, are disadvantageous to children because they disrupt caregiving environments. Where gender discrimination exists, special attention needs to be given to the development and education of girls.