# Preventing Childhood Neurodisability

## TL;DR

The paper discusses how factors like infection, nutrition, and maternal health during pregnancy and early childhood contribute to neurodisability in young children.

## Contribution

The paper highlights recent data from Malaysia showing rising risks to child neurological development.

## Key findings

- Low birth weight and maternal diabetes have increased significantly in Malaysia.
- 20% of children under 5 are stunted and 46% have anemia, affecting neurological development.
- These trends may increase developmental disorders and motor deficits in children.

## Abstract

Globally 8.4% of children under 5 years old have a neurodisability. The important factors contributing to this are infection and inflammation, nutrition and quality of care especially during pregnancy and in the first 2 years of life. In an attempt to reduce neurodisability arising from these factors, WHO launched the 1,000 days initiative in 2014. Recent data from the National Health and Morbidity, and Malaysian National Neonatal Registry is a cause for concern. The rate of low weight babies has shown a significant increase during this period. The percentage of pregnant mothers with diabetes has doubled over the last 6 years. In addition, 20% of children under 5 years old are stunted and 46% have anaemia. All of these impact on neurological development, potentially increasing the incidence of developmental disorders and motor deficits.