When It Matters Most: Improving nutrition and survival for the youngest and most vulnerable children

This UNICEF research synthesis shows that 81% of under-five deaths occur before age two, with stunting and wasting most prevalent in this age group. It calls for prioritizing nutrition interventions in the first 1,000 days—integrating prevention, early detection, and treatment—especially in resource-limited contexts. The report emphasizes equity, urging targeted support for the most deprived children who face overlapping vulnerabilities. It provides evidence from multi-country studies to guide programme design for maximum impact on survival and nutrition outcomes.