About the event

On June 19, as part of its 70th Anniversary celebrations and in commemoration of the International Day of the African Child, the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) hosted a public webinar highlighting the importance of investing in early childhood development.

The webinar brought together leading experts from government, academia, civil society, and development partners to discuss how the earliest years of life shape children’s health, learning, and long-term wellbeing.

The programme featured presentations on brain development, early childhood health and nutrition, responsive caregiving, early learning through play, quality childcare systems, and child protection. Speakers included representatives from Save the Children, the Tanzania ECD Network (TECDEN), Children in Crossfire (CiC), the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups (MoCDGWSGs), the Institute of Social Work (ISW), and experts from the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI).

The event reflected on the significance of the Institute’s 70-year legacy, as well as the importance of the International Day of the African Child in advancing evidence-based policies and practices that support children from the earliest stages of life.

Researchers, policymakers, practitioners, students, development partners, parents, caregivers, and all others interested in improving outcomes for young children attended the session.