Oral

This session examines a range of influences on the health of infants and young children and initiatives to promote optimal health in this age group. Findings from a longitudinal study, the Infant Feeding Practices Study II, provide insights into the practice of maternal premastication of foods, and discusses attendant risks of mother-to-child HIV transmission. Infectious disease in an internation context is also discussed with a focus on the impact of a universal vaccination program in Mongolia on hepatitis B infection. Looking at disparities related to income and ethnicity in a range of health risks, results from the Colorado Child Health Survey are examined for children aged 1 through 5 years. More broadly, the positive effects of comprehensive early childhood system building at the community, state, and national levels are discussed.

Session Objectives: At the conclusion of this session participants will be able to: 1) Describe the prevalence of maternal premastication feeding practices in the United States and relationship of these practices to HIV transmission risk 2) Discuss the effectiveness of a universal vaccination program on hepatitis B virus infection in Mongolia 3) Describe health disparities in young childhood in Colorado related to income and ethnicity 4) Describe how cross-sector early childhood system building initiatives are producing change at the national, state, and community levels, and how public health professionals can most effectively contribute to these initiatives

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)