Malnutrition in early childhood has serious, long-term consequences because it impedes motor, sensory, cognitive, social and emotional development. Malnourished children are less likely to perform well in school and more likely to grow into malnourished adults. Inadequate care of women during pregnancy results in low birth weight babies. Nearly 30% of all new borns have a low birth weight, making them vulnerable to further malnutrition and disease.

Which among the following is the most essential message conveyed by the above passage?