Vietnamese researchers point to eight major risks to optimal early childhood brain development around the time of birth in resource-constrained settings: intrauterine growth restriction, stunting, iron deficiency anaemia, iodine deficiency, unresponsive caregiving, insufficient cognitive stimulation, maternal mental health problems and exposure to family violence. Capitalizing on more than 15 years of experience in rural Vietnam, the Learning Clubs for Women and Infants innovation aims to pioneer a low-cost initiative addressing all eight risks to optimal early childhood brain development through a structured, universal program combining information, learning activities and social support with groups of women at the same life stage.
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