The First 2000 Days Programme is a collection of projects. These projects aim to address issues and gaps along the continuum of care, that impact on health outcomes for infants and children, and over time into their adulthood. There is widespread agreement on the role of universal child and family health services in identifying health needs within the family in order to provide families with support as early as possible. This reflects the evidence about the complex interaction of risk and protective factors that influence a child’s health, wellbeing and development and an acknowledgement of the social determinants of health.
The F2000D programme primary objective is to ensure that "No Child is Left Behind" – all children have equitable access to the universal screening and entitlements, early intervention and treatment as needed.
As there is an unacceptable inequity in access to universal child health services entitlement and in health outcomes measures for Māori children in Northland, they are the central focus of all activity in this programme of work.
Successful delivery of equitable universal screening and assessment (beginning in pregnancy), well child and immunisation services to all infants/ children, requires a system that is culturally relevant, cohesive and coordinated; with an ability to share relevant information seamlessly at key transition points, and a system that the recipients of services understand easily.