The first 1000 days of a child’s life are crucial. During this time the foundations for optimum health, rapid brain growth and child development are laid. New mothers undergo enormous emotional and physical changes in this time, too.

South Africa has made great strides in prioritising these first 1000 days since it adopted the Integrated Early Learning and Development policy in 2015. It’s also embarked on a number of initiatives that focus on improving maternal, newborn and child health.

But an important factor is missing from these efforts: the role that fathers have to play, particularly during the early stage of their child’s life.

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