Heuermann lecture on water, food security, and early childhood Apr. 22

17 Apr 2014    

"The Role of Water and Food Security in Early Childhood Survival and Development: A Global Perspective,” part of the Heuermann Lectures, will be presented April 22, 3:00 p.m. at UNL East Campus.

Links between quality water/food security and young children's early development are abundant. Good nutrition in the first 1,000 days of a child's life is crucial to body and brain development.  Poor nutrition can lead to stunting and diminished brain capacity.  Poor water quality relates to stunting and brain development through multiple routes, i.e., open latrine density and sanitation, diarrhea diseases, contamination during infant supplementation of breastfeeding.  In addition, young children's development is implicated in agricultural production throughout the world.

Progress has been made in reducing world infant mortality rates, but while more babies survive, millions remain at risk for foundational brain and early childhood development.   More children are surviving but not thriving. With links shown among improved health and nutrition and education and a country's economic growth, lack of adequate food and water for children has significant effects both for individuals, and for nations struggling to raise themselves out of poverty.

Speakers include Chris Elias, president of the Global Development Program, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Joan Lombardi, former deputy assistant secretary and inter-departmental liaison for early childhood education, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Nurper Ulkuer, former head, Early Childhood Development Unit, and senior adviser for early childhood development, UNICEF. Panel moderators include Marjorie Kostelnik, dean, UNL College of Education and Human Sciences, and Helen Raikes, Willa Cather Professor, Dept. of Child, Youth and Family Studies.

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