Economic value of early childhood development interventions

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child highlights that children have the right to good quality health care, clean water, nutritious food, a clean environment, and an education, to meet their physical and mental needs, and develop their personality and talents to the full. Optimal early childhood development is essential to develop intellectual skills, creativity and wellbeing across the life course, with long-term consequences for the care of the next generation and for the wellbeing of societies. In particular, the first 1,000 days of life (from conception to first 24 months) is a time that the foundations of health, well-being, learning and productivity throughout a person’s whole life are established. Economic evaluations are critical to ensure equitable and effective utilisation of resources, and should be a key consideration for decision-makers and funders to implement and scale up child development interventions. However, there is limited evidence on cost-effectiveness and long-term economic benefits of interventions, particularly in resource-constrained settings. This interdisciplinary research project aims to systematically review the existing economic evidence on investments in early childhood development interventions at the global level. The findings will guide decision-makers and funders in setting priorities and allocating resources to improve child development. The preferred candidate will have a background in public health and an interest in global health, child health, child development, health economics, and health equity. The successful candidate will develop skills in systems thinking, child development, health economics, and academic writing. They will also have the opportunity to co-author a manuscript.