Abstract

Exposures and experiences in a child’s early environment – in the womb and in early life – can affect child survival and have long-lasting effects through the child’s life, in terms of health, development and well-being. Children are more vulnerable when confronted by poverty, livelihood insecurities, social ills, and health pandemics. With this as background, the Future Impact Today project aims to investigate the health, development and well-being of a cohort of mother-infant pairs who are exposed to early nutrition-sensitive interventions to improve the short- and long-term outcomes of health and well-being.

This study will apply a longitudinal, interventional, cohort design and takes a life-course approach to child health and wellness. It recognizes the dynamic interactions between children and their environments, beginning from before they are born. The rural Xhariep and urban Mangaung areas in the Free State Province, South Africa have been selected; allowing for urban rural comparisons. We plan to enroll 1000 mother-infant pairs over a one-year period and to collect data in several stages, including Antenatal (pregnancy); Birth; Follow up after delivery; and Early childhood (up to 2 years).

Data collection will include questionnaire-derived information, bio-samples, physical examination including anthropometric measurements and body composition (air displacement plethysmography).

Photo: Irina Schmidt/Mostphotos