Early brain development shapes lifelong learning, behavior, and health. Yet, there is limited data on typical neurodevelopmental patterns in children from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)—making it difficult to identify the key global and regional factors that influence healthy brain development.

The Bahir Dar Child Neurodevelopment (BCD) Study was a cross sectional study of child development conducted in Amhara, Ethiopia. Its goals were to:

• Characterize typical, healthy brain and cognitive development during the first five years of life

• Assess the impact of prenatal exposures on child neurodevelopment

We enrolled 471 children ranging from 6 months to 5 years. We assessed brain structure and neurocognition across multiple domains using new tools, including the low-field MRI Hyperfine and the World Health Organization Global Scale for Early Development (GSED). We also characterized typical preschool skills in early childhood in this population and will examine major influences on child neurodevelopment.