The discussion paper discusses the critical importance of the first 2000 days of a child’s life in Australia, emphasising the need for integrated early childhood care, investment in maternal and child health services, and culturally responsive practices to improve long-term health and social outcomes.
It highlights the critical role of nursing in supporting children’s health during these formative years, focusing on how effective nursing practices can give children the best possible start in life.
The paper originated from a breakout session at ACN’s 2024 Policy Summit and draws on the insights shared during those discussions. The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) also acknowledges the valuable contributions from various professionals who helped develop this paper.
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