Data-informed arguments for investment in children

HANDS-ON Experience Learning February 2025 | Issue 29

OPPORTUNITY

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DATA-INFORMED ARGUMENTS FOR INVESTMENT IN CHILDREN In 2024, analysis of routine data revealed that some of South Africa’s gains in child development and wellbeing are stalling, and may be starting to reverse. Young children are now more likely to live in poverty, suffer from food insecurity and malnutrition, and die before their fifth birthday than they were before the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, the Thrive by Five Index found that fewer than half of 4-5-year-olds are developmentally on track.

This learning brief examines existing data on child development and wellbeing and what it signifies, and why we need accelerated action for children to turn the tide. It draws from two consolidated pieces of research released in 2024 by key partners, namely the South African Early Childhood Review and the Child Gauge.

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DATA-INFORMED ARGUMENTS FOR INVESTMENT IN CHILDREN

Issue 29 /// February 2025

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Data-informed arguments for investment in children

Published on Feb 19, 2025

DG Murray Trust

In 2024, analysis of routine data revealed that some of South Africa’s gains in child development and wellbeing are stalling, and may be starting to reverse. Young children are now more likely to live in poverty, suffer from food insecurity and malnutrition, and die before their fifth birthday than they were before the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, the Thrive by Five Index found that fewer than half of 4-5-year-olds are developmentally on track. This learning brief examines existing data on child development and wellbeing and what it signifies, and why we need accelerated action for children to turn the tide. It draws from two consolidated pieces of research released in 2024 by key partners, namely the South African Early Childhood Review and the Child Gauge.