Addressing inequality in early childhood: the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on new generations of children in Latin America and the Caribbean

Focusing on early childhood is key to inclusive social development. Despite the progress of recent decades, especially through comprehensive early childhood development policies, children aged 0–8 years continue to be disproportionately affected by poverty. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic deepened inequalities and had an often-unseen impact on this early stage of life. With a focus on maternal and child health, nutrition and education, this document is aimed at analysing the impact of the pandemic on early childhood development and on the design and implementation of policies; identifying emerging or worsening challenges and inequalities; evaluating country responses; highlighting innovative approaches and successful experiences; and providing recommendations for specific multisectoral policies that address the impacts and opportunities resulting from the pandemic. Investment in early childhood development significantly impacts life trajectories and paves the way for a better future for society; failure to act can therefore lead to irreversible damage in the dynamics of intergenerational solidarity.