Addressing early life environmental determinants of adult diseases
Overview
With growing evidence on the link between fetal development and a
number of adult diseases, it is increasingly recognized that improved surveillance
and follow-up in pregnancy must be prioritized. Equally vital is the promotion of
healthier environments for mothers-to-be and pregnant women. Due to the
complexity of these issues and the involvement of different sectors, this requires
a broad range of interventions to reduce risk factors and create safe and
supportive environments in home and community settings.
In response to these challenges, WHO is working with partners in:
awareness-raising and advocacy; training activities; translating science into
simple messages; promoting collaborative research between developing and
industrialized countries; and coordinating long-term studies, especially with
the emergence of new research tools, such as biomarkers.