Reaching Full Potential: Pediatric Development Clinics as a Model for Nurturing At-Risk Children's Health and Brain Development in Low-Income Countries

Partners In Health Canada and Partners In Health Rwanda (PIH), in collaboration with the Rwanda Ministry of Health (MOH), propose to establish proof of concept for the cost-effective Pediatric Development Clinic (PDC) model that provides high-risk children surviving the neonatal period with structured follow-up—medical, nutritional, developmental, and social screening and early intervention—within the primary-care system in a coordinated, family-centered manner so these children can reach their full potential. PDCs expand clinic-based care with home visits and parent support groups that promote stimulating, responsive care and reduce stigma. PIH’s project will create a multi-tiered chronic care platform to nurture brain development for 390 children age 0-5, who have amplified risk of impaired development as they face the double burden of poverty and biologic vulnerability due to perinatal complications, and benefit up to one-third of all children in Rwanda and beyond in the future.[1]