An updated framework for Northern Ireland's universal child health promotion programme, Healthy Child, Healthy Future, has been launched, placing a central emphasis on life experiences during the first 1,000 days—from conception to age two.

The framework stresses that these early experiences can have long-term implications for a child's health, growth, and development.

The refreshed approach is grounded in growing evidence that focusing on this critical period of baby's brain development, by ensuring families have access to universal services, will improve long-term outcomes for children and help tackle health inequalities.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt launched the framework at an event in Parliament Buildings attended by over 100 people, including school nurses, health visitors, and service user representatives.

"We know that the first 1,000 days of life are critical," the Minister said. "What happens in those early years shapes everything that follows. Early intervention leads to better health and wellbeing, stronger learning and development, more resilient communities, and ultimately better outcomes."

He affirmed that the framework is grounded in the latest evidence and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of background.

Programme Scope and Enhancements The framework sets out a universal public health programme that offers every family a structured programme of assessment, screening, surveillance, immunisations, developmental reviews, and guidance from pregnancy up to age 19. It combines this universal provision with targeted support designed to reduce inequalities and assist families at a greater risk of marginalisation.

The refreshed plan also directly responds to the growing need for special educational needs (SEN) support, recommending that early identification pathways be strengthened. This aims to ensure children with additional needs receive timely advice, support, and onward referral.

Key enhancements proposed in the framework include:

• Enhanced health visiting contacts in the first 1,000 days.

• The introduction of new developmental reviews.

• School nurse-led Primary 7 transition support.

Minister Nesbitt confirmed that delivering the refreshed framework would require a phased approach, building upon the strong existing foundations. "The core universal contacts remain in place and are currently funded," he confirmed.

He acknowledged the "significant financial and resource pressures" facing his Department but stated that some enhancements could be progressed within existing resources. However, he noted that future years would require prioritised resources to support the further changes set out.

"I believe there is a strong and unwavering commitment to this evidenced-based framework. It is a cornerstone of our vision for a healthier, fairer Northern Ireland," the Minister concluded.