Nepal has made a historic advancement in child development by introducing the WHO/UNICEF Care for Child Development (CCD) course for the first time in the WHO South-East Asia Region. Launched by the Family Welfare Division of Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population with support from WHO, this initiative focuses on equipping health workers to promote holistic growth in children aged 0-3 years.
Key Features of the CCD Course
- Promotes physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development
- Focuses on daily practical interactions such as:
- Early brain stimulation
- Play and communication
- Responsive feeding
- Aims to build strong emotional bonds and encourage early learning
This initiative supports Nepal’s National Strategy for Early Childhood Development and aims to fill existing gaps in health services related to child development.
Training and Implementation
A comprehensive five-day training was conducted to develop a national pool of experts capable of scaling up the CCD course throughout Nepal. The training combined:
- Virtual lectures
- In-person workshops
- Hands-on practice at Kanti Children’s Hospital and Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital
Leadership and Future Outlook
Dr. Bibek Kumar Lal, Director of the Family Welfare Division, reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to nurturing early childhood development. WHO Representative Dr. Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav emphasized that the course empowers caregivers and health workers with practical skills for a healthier and more resilient future.
This pioneering effort reflects Nepal’s dedication to investing in the future well-being and development of its children. Stay tuned to Questiqa World News for further updates on this transformative initiative.
About The Author
