Kathmandu, Nepal has taken a significant step in early childhood development by launching the WHO/UNICEF Care for Child Development (CCD) course. This marks the first time the course has been introduced in Nepal and the entire WHO South-East Asia Region. The course aims to equip health workers with the skills to support caregivers in nurturing children aged 0-3 years through simple daily interactions, focusing on responsive caregiving and early learning. These are key pillars of Nepal’s National Strategy for Early Childhood Development (2077–2088).
Developed by WHO and UNICEF in 2012, the CCD course has been customized to meet Nepal’s specific needs. It covers practical topics such as:
- Early brain stimulation
- Play
- Communication
- Feeding
Before CCD, there was no dedicated training for child development available to health workers. This new course fills a critical gap and supports the government’s efforts to enhance care within the health sector.
In May 2025, 16 health professionals, including pediatricians and public health experts, were trained by WHO to become national trainers. These trainers subsequently held sessions for health workers across six provinces. The training approach combined virtual lectures with practical hands-on experience at leading hospitals in Kathmandu.
Health officials underscore that investing in the early years of life helps children reach their full potential and lays the foundation for a healthier future for Nepal. WHO commits to continuing support to integrate CCD nationwide. This initiative was made possible through support from Myriad USA.
Stay tuned to Questiqa World News for more updates on this transformative development in early childhood care.
About The Author
