Editorial

Abstract

There are many advances regarding the health of Brazilian children. Our infant mortality rate and
the prevalence of malnutrition were substantially reduced in response to the expansion of access to basic sanitation, health services and expansion of the practice of breastfeeding. However,
it appears that intersectoral policies and actions in favor of child development are still incipient in our midst. The intrauterine period and the early years child's life are essential for their physical, emotional, cognitive and cultural development.
Advances in neuroscience show that during pregnancy and the first years of life (especially in the first thousand days) occurs rapid brain development and it is at this stage that neural circuits are formed and strengthened through stimulus and relationships bond. Physical and emotional health, social skills and cognitive-linguistic abilities
that emerge in the first years of life are important prerequisites for success at school and, later, in the workplace and community. In addition, evidence indicates that investment
in early childhood is the best way to reduce inequalities, tackle poverty and build a society with sustainable social and environmental conditions.