ADB Supports Early Childhood Development and Maternal Mental Health in Meghalaya, India

National

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (16 August 2023) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $40.5 million loan for integrated early childhood development (ECD) and maternal mental health in Meghalaya, India. The state government is contributing $15.27 million to the project. The project will strengthen home-based childcare (children 0–1.5 years) and center-based childcare (1.5–6 years) through daycare (Anganwadi) centers in Meghalaya. The project aims to improve access to nurturing care, including a component of maternal mental health care and group-based parenting programs to enable the inclusion of fathers in caregiving. ADB’s assistance will also improve nutrient adequacy by adding eggs to the diet of pregnant and lactating women and children 0.5–6 years of age. As one of several climate-resilient features, the project will also help establish nutrition gardens at Anganwadi centers (AWC) for improved diet diversity and nutrition security.“The first early years—including especially the first 1,000 days—are critical to a child’s growth and development. Providing ample nutrition and nurturing care early on and enabling both parents are essential to building a strong growth foundation for a child.


     

     

     

 

     


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