The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Malabar Charitable Trust have jointly launched Nurturing Beginnings, a pilot project in Delhi’s urban slums that focuses on preventing developmental delays and disabilities in young children. The initiative emphasizes delivering individualised mother-and-child care from conception to the child’s second birthday, a critical period that lays the foundation for lifelong health, cognitive development, and social inclusion.
The first 1000 days of life provides a vital window of development that is often threatened by malnutrition, recurrent infections, and limited access to essential services. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated, multisectoral action anchored in equity and inclusion.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, said: “The project combines global evidence with local solutions, leveraging WHO’s expertise to empower health workers, support families, and strengthen community resilience.”
The Malabar Charitable Trust brings grassroots experience from the areas of health, education and empowerment to the collaboration. “By collaborating with WHO India, Malabar Group is acknowledging its responsibility in shaping a healthier society. We are deeply grateful to WHO for its support and cooperation,” said Mr M. P. Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group.
The programme aligns with the 2024 World Health Assembly Resolution WHA77.5, which calls for urgent action to reduce maternal and child deaths, and emphasizes that health, nutrition, early childhood development, and prevention of disabling conditions are inseparably linked. It also builds on the Framework of Engagement with Non-State Actors (FENSA), which highlights the critical role of NGOs and philanthropies in advancing public health priorities.