Diverse group of ten babies playing
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Harnessing cross-country administrative data to evaluate national policy impacts on maternal, infant and child health, and health inequalities across the 4 UK nations.

Giving every child the best start in life is a key policy goal for a healthier society. Each child’s health is affected by socio-economic, cultural, political and environmental factors (collectively known as the social determinants) that act at the national, community, household, and family level.

Interventions to tackle the social determinants of health can result in better outcomes during pregnancy and early childhood. These health improvements will lead to a reduction in the prevalence of adult non-communicable diseases (NCDs), narrow health inequalities, and increase life chances.

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"Worldwide about 10% of pregnant women and 13% of women who have just given birth experience a mental disorder, primarily depression."

World Health Organization

Happy small girl holding hands on mothers belly and listening baby's heartbeat.

"Almost 1 in 5 children are overweight or obese when they start primary school, rising to 1 in 3 when they start secondary school."

RCPCH

Small group of children having good time at jungle gym and talking.

"Early childhood development is a smart investment. The earlier the investment, the greater the return."

James Heckman

Teacher with a group of preschool children in a nursery. The children are sitting on the floor and listening teacher. Learning letters. In the background we can see a shelf with some, toys, black board and books. View from behind.