Globally, over 6 million children under the age of five die each year, and approximately 165 million (26%) of the world’s children have stunted growth jeopardizing subsequent physical as well as cognitive development.

Brazil has made significant progress in reducing child mortality and stunted growth in the last decades. The country has seen the deaths of children under 5 falling by 77% since 1990, and a steady decline in stunting, which has been reduced nationwide by more than 80% since 1975. However, major challenges remain in both areas. A significant proportion of neonatal deaths are associated with preterm birth, which has recently increased to 11.3% of all births in the country. Stunting, undernutrition or micronutrient deficiencies are more prevalent in certain areas of the country, and often closely related with higher poverty rates or limited access to services.

Much remains unknown about the root causes of unhealthy birth, growth, and development. Current evidence suggests that the causes – whether based on malnutrition, infectious disease, social or other factors – are interwoven, and that addressing them one at a time can solve only a small fraction of the problem. Furthermore, stunted growth and development can reduce human productivity and perpetuate poverty. We need to know how and when to most effectively intervene to ensure all children thrive – that they not only survive, but also have the chance to live healthy productive lives.