Aisha Yousafzai
Early Childhood Development (ECD) is inherently multisectoral, involving health, nutrition, education, social protection, and child protection sectors. Effective multisectoral coordination and partnerships are essential for scaling ECD programs and ensuring comprehensive services that address the diverse needs of young children and their families.
Why Multisectoral Coordination Matters
- Holistic Approach: Young children’s development depends on multiple interrelated factors — nutrition, health, stimulation, safety, and learning — requiring integrated actions.
- Efficient Resource Use: Coordination prevents duplication of efforts and optimizes the use of limited resources.
- Improved Coverage and Access: Joint efforts increase reach, especially in marginalized populations.
- Strengthened Advocacy and Policy Influence: United voices have greater power to influence policy and funding.
Key Elements of Effective Multisectoral Coordination
- Policy Alignment and Joint Planning
- Develop shared goals and strategies across sectors.
- Use joint planning platforms or steering committees.
- Clear Roles and Responsibilities
- Define each sector’s roles and accountabilities in policy and implementation.
- Clarify leadership for coordination efforts.
- Communication and Information Sharing
- Establish regular meetings and information exchanges.
- Use shared data systems to track progress.
- Pooling Resources
- Joint budgeting and financing mechanisms for integrated service delivery.
- Shared infrastructure and workforce training.
- Engaging Communities and Civil Society
- Involve parents, caregivers, and community organizations in planning and monitoring.
- Build partnerships with NGOs and the private sector.
Models of Multisectoral Coordination
- National ECD Councils or Committees
High-level bodies that bring together ministries and stakeholders to guide policy and resource allocation. - Integrated Service Delivery Platforms
Facilities or programs that offer health, nutrition, early learning, and protection services under one roof or through coordinated outreach. - Cross-sectoral Training Programs
Training workforce cadres from multiple sectors together to foster collaboration and shared understanding.
Challenges and Solutions
| Challenges | Solutions |
| Sectoral silos and competition | Promote shared goals and leadership buy-in |
| Varying priorities and funding cycles | Develop coordinated plans and aligned funding mechanisms |
| Communication gaps | Use digital platforms and regular intersectoral meetings |
| Capacity constraints | Provide joint capacity-building initiatives |
Case Example
In Bangladesh, the government created the National Early Childhood Development Coordination Committee comprising representatives from health, education, social welfare, and NGOs. This committee oversees a unified ECD strategy, aligning policies, monitoring progress, and mobilizing resources. This multisectoral approach has improved the reach and quality of ECD programs nationwide.
Multisectoral coordination and partnerships are key enablers for scaling up and sustaining comprehensive ECD programs. By working together, sectors can deliver more effective, efficient, and equitable services that promote the well-being and development of every young child.
Associate Professor of Global Health
Global Health and Population
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health