Partnership for Child Development

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Partnership for Child Development

The Partnership for Child Development (PCD) is an organization dedicated to improving the health and education of school-age children in low- and middle-income countries. Established in 1992, PCD works with governments, communities, and international agencies to implement effective school health and nutrition programs.

History

PCD was founded in response to the growing recognition of the importance of school health and nutrition in achieving Education for All (EFA) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The organization was initially supported by the United Nations and various international donors.

Objectives

The primary objectives of PCD are to:

• Improve the health and nutritional status of school-age children.
• Enhance the quality of education by reducing health-related barriers to learning.
• Promote sustainable school health and nutrition programs through capacity building and technical assistance.

Programs and Initiatives

PCD implements a variety of programs and initiatives, including:

School Health and Nutrition

PCD supports the development and implementation of comprehensive school health and nutrition programs. These programs typically include components such as deworming, micronutrient supplementation, and health education.

Research and Evidence

PCD conducts research to generate evidence on the effectiveness of school health and nutrition interventions. This research helps to inform policy and practice at the national and international levels.

Capacity Building

PCD provides technical assistance and training to governments and other stakeholders to strengthen their capacity to design, implement, and evaluate school health and nutrition programs.

Advocacy

PCD advocates for the integration of school health and nutrition into national education and health policies. The organization works with partners to raise awareness of the importance of these programs for achieving educational and health outcomes.

Partnerships

PCD collaborates with a wide range of partners, including:

• Governments
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• United Nations agencies
• Bilateral and multilateral donors
• Academic institutions

Impact

PCD's work has contributed to significant improvements in the health and educational outcomes of school-age children in many countries. The organization's efforts have helped to reduce the prevalence of malnutrition, parasitic infections, and other health issues that can impede learning.

See also

• School health
• Nutrition
• Education for All
• Millennium Development Goals