During the month of March, the 1,000 Days Partnership is highlighting the critical role of nutrition in the 1,000 day window from a woman’s pregnancy to her child’s second birthday. As part of their online “march” to raise awareness, the 1,000 Days Partnership is leveraging its online presence to inform the public with blogs, infographics and social media — all focusing on the importance of nutrition.

The right nutrition during this 1,000 day window can have an enormous impact on a mother’s health and the health of her child. However, even if a mother is receiving proper nutrition, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) could cause anemia, malnutrition and other serious complications during pregnancy, leading to complications for newborns, such as low birth weight.

NTDs, a group of parasitic and bacterial infections, affect one in six people worldwide, including 40 million women of child bearing age and more than 500 million children. However, safe and effective treatment exists to protect mothers and children against the seven most common NTDs. Through mass drug administration (MDA) mothers and children receive medicine to rid their bodies of NTDs and help them hold on to the nutrients they need.

As we #March4Nutrition this month, let’s not forget the important role that NTDs play in ensuring proper nutrition for mothers and children.

For more information on the link between nutrition, NTDs and maternal and child health, click here and here.