Editorial: Health and nutrition in the first 1000 days of life

Malnutrition and health issues remain persistent global crises, with developing regions bearing the brunt of the burden. According to the World Health Organization, nearly half of under-five deaths in low-and middle-income countries are linked to malnutrition, while stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies impair the development of millions of children annually. The studies in this special issue focus on countries facing distinct yet interconnected challenges: Sub-Saharan African nations grapple with high rates of stunting and maternal high-risk fertility behaviors; China confronts rural-urban disparities in dietary diversity and grandparenting practices; Colombia struggles with intersectional inequalities driving infant mortality; and Zambia faces unique nutritional barriers in resource-constrained mining communities, etc. By centering these contexts, the special issue fills critical gaps in region-specific evidence, as many global health frameworks often lack granular data on how local cultures, economies, and infrastructures shape early-life nutrition outcomes. The motivation is clear: to consolidate rigorous, context-sensitive research that moves beyond one-sizefits-all solutions and empowers policymakers to design interventions tailored to local realities.The articles in this special issue cluster around four interconnected themes, each shedding light on critical dimensions of early-life health and nutrition. This special issue reinforces that investing in the first 1000 days requires context-sensitive, multi-sectoral action. The studies collectively show that while the consequences of early-life nutrition gaps are severe-from cognitive disability to increased mortality-the barriers are addressable through targeted interventions: scaling micronutrient supplementation, improving dietary diversity, strengthening maternal health services, equipping caregivers with knowledge, and addressing structural inequalities. For policymakers, the evidence underscores the need to prioritize early-life nutrition in national health agendas, integrate nutrition counseling into routine care, and allocate resources to marginalized communities. For researchers, the special issue highlights gaps in long-term intervention impacts and the need for more studies on urban-rural and intersectional disparities.Ultimately, the first 1000 days offer an unparalleled opportunity to break cycles of malnutrition and poverty-one that demands urgent, evidence-driven action to ensure every child has the chance to thrive.