Health impacts of our food system: first 1000 days + non-communicable diseases

The first 1000 days of life, the time from conception to a child’s second birthday, is a critical period for ensuring optimal nutrition. The diets of the mother and baby during this time have huge influence over both the short-term and lifelong health and well-being of the child. We understand the nourishment necessary to provide children with a healthy start to life, but we must also understand the reality faced by many food insecure households as they attempt to meet the needs of a growing child, and why malnutrition and infant stunting are so pervasive in Cape Town, even before the pandemic hit. What will the consequences be for mothers, infants and toddlers during and after this time of crisis?

To gain an even deeper understanding of these issues, see the links under "Media" on this page.

Please feel free to ask questions and comment below, or send your comments/questions to [email protected] being sure to mention which talk you are commenting on.

A response by the speaker to comments received within the first week of the talk going live are available for viewing here: https://youtu.be/aKW_StiOuZ0