Ministry of Child Development and Women's Affairs along with the UNICEF has launched the ECCD Week with the 'importance of investing in early childhood' as the main theme.

In a special message to mark the event President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that his government is committed to give special attention to early childhood development through establishing a separate ministry for this work.

The UNICEF said the period of early childhood years starting from conception till the age of eight is when the crucial physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of a child takes place. And essential support is required during this period to ensure that a child survives and thrives.

A recent UNICEF report on nutrition and food security survey in the country noted that while overall, with increasing wealth there is a significant decline in the prevalence of stunting, wasting, underweight and anemia in women and children.

The National ECCD Week is aimed to increase awareness of the need to have quality services, encourage greater investment, share best practices, and reach a common understanding of the expectations and future plans for ECCD in the country, the UNICEF noted.