Adversity in childhood can shape long-term health outcomes

Dec 12 2012

Noting the "16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence," Neil Boothby, U.S. government special adviser and senior coordinator to the USAID administrator on children in adversity, writes in USAID's "IMPACTblog," "The science is clear -- childhood experiences shape adult outcomes, including long-term health, cognitive development, academic achievement, and one's ability to be gainfully and safely employed." He continues, "In the same way that public health efforts have prevented and reduced pregnancy-related complications, infant mortality, infectious diseases and illnesses, so can the factors that contribute to violent and abusive responses -- attitudes, behavior and social, economic, political and cultural conditions -- be changed." Boothby notes the U.S. government this week "will release an Action Plan on Children in Adversity [.pdf], the first-ever government-wide strategic guidance for international assistance for children" (12/9).