Adult Disease Induction and Life Course Events: Some Perspectives from a Resource-compromised Economy

Background Nigerian newborns face difficult childhood and adulthood with prevalent morbidities and resultant reduced lifeexpectancy tasking our practice and policy. We need clearer appreciation of disease induction from foetal origins with a ‘Critical Window’ in the life course for possible interventions. Disease Induction And Life Course Events Life course and events, from conception to death (‘womb to tomb’), are highlighted re: roles in disease induction. Foetal growth, early child nutrition/ diet and early postnatal growth represent a ‘Critical Window’ for modulation re: inferred ‘Body Programming’ effect. Specific Life Course Events And Some Nigerian Perspectives Birth and its attributes are reviewed. Birthweight is discussed re: determinants, meaning and usefulness in disease induction. We have simple clinical tools for assessing gestational age and body proportion/ composition. We highlight our simplified methods of maturity determination as preterm infants have peculiar postnatal adiposity. Postnatal growth correlates with later disease and exclusively breastfed infants, with observed accelerated growth, are assessed using our new growth standards. Child diet contributes to adult disease. We highlight observations on exclusive breastfeeding for policy and practice. With BFHI and the ‘INAGOSICI Phenomenon’, breastfeeding is improving. Two ‘growth spurts’ are reviewed for child feeding policy and the ‘Transgenerational Model’. Conclusion Nigerian newborns face quadruple-barrel survival tragedy. Our perspectives on life course events are highlighted for policy and practice. Institute interventions are highlighted for community impact.