Caring from the Very Beginning: The Experience of Benevides as an Early Childhood City
1
DEAS, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Benevides, Benevides, Brasil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2115
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Benevides, a municipality in the state of Pará, Brazil, has gained recognition for its strong commitment to early childhood development. Comprehensive development in the first years of life is essential for building healthy and socially responsible individuals. In this context, early childhood has been adopted as a strategic priority for promoting sustainable development, equity, and social inclusion at the local level.
METHODS:
One of the most relevant initiatives implemented by the municipality was its participation in the Urban95 project, developed by the Van Leer Foundation. This initiative promotes urban planning from the perspective of a child measuring 95 centimeters in height. Based on this approach, Benevides strengthened intersectoral governance and implemented integrated public policies involving health, education, culture, social assistance, and urban planning. Community engagement strategies were also adopted to raise awareness about the importance of care, protection, and stimulation during early childhood.
RESULTS:
The implementation of the Municipal Early Childhood Plan (PMPI) established concrete goals and actions focused on child health, education, protection, and development. Public spaces were requalified to promote free and safe play, including health units, schools, and daycare centers redesigned with welcoming, child-friendly environments. Safe school routes were implemented to improve mobility and safety. The First Affection Program strengthened maternal and paternal involvement in childcare, reinforcing family bonds. In addition, a Women’s and Children’s Health Reference Center was established. Other initiatives included the Play Street Project, the Benevides Recycles Program, and mobile vaccination campaigns carried out in schools and public squares, contributing to improved health indicators.
CONCLUSIONS:
Benevides has become a reference in early childhood public policies, inspiring other municipalities in the Amazon region. The experience demonstrates that well-planned, intersectoral public policies promote comprehensive child development. However, long-term success requires political continuity and active social participation. Investing in early childhood is investing in the future.
Benevides, a municipality in the state of Pará, Brazil, has gained recognition for its strong commitment to early childhood development. Comprehensive development in the first years of life is essential for building healthy and socially responsible individuals. In this context, early childhood has been adopted as a strategic priority for promoting sustainable development, equity, and social inclusion at the local level.
METHODS:
One of the most relevant initiatives implemented by the municipality was its participation in the Urban95 project, developed by the Van Leer Foundation. This initiative promotes urban planning from the perspective of a child measuring 95 centimeters in height. Based on this approach, Benevides strengthened intersectoral governance and implemented integrated public policies involving health, education, culture, social assistance, and urban planning. Community engagement strategies were also adopted to raise awareness about the importance of care, protection, and stimulation during early childhood.
RESULTS:
The implementation of the Municipal Early Childhood Plan (PMPI) established concrete goals and actions focused on child health, education, protection, and development. Public spaces were requalified to promote free and safe play, including health units, schools, and daycare centers redesigned with welcoming, child-friendly environments. Safe school routes were implemented to improve mobility and safety. The First Affection Program strengthened maternal and paternal involvement in childcare, reinforcing family bonds. In addition, a Women’s and Children’s Health Reference Center was established. Other initiatives included the Play Street Project, the Benevides Recycles Program, and mobile vaccination campaigns carried out in schools and public squares, contributing to improved health indicators.
CONCLUSIONS:
Benevides has become a reference in early childhood public policies, inspiring other municipalities in the Amazon region. The experience demonstrates that well-planned, intersectoral public policies promote comprehensive child development. However, long-term success requires political continuity and active social participation. Investing in early childhood is investing in the future.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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