November 2019 – This position paper published by the World Health Organization explains how clean, safe and secure environments contribute to enabling environments for nurturing care. Clean air, safe and secure surroundings, and outlets for physical activity are essential conditions for children to survive and thrive. An infant or young child who is exposed to environmental pollutants from sources such as unsafe drinking water, air pollution or chemicals, as well as a child who lacks access to spaces for outdoor physical activity and exploration is at higher risk of both noncommunicable diseases as well as infectious diseases (such as pneumonia and diarrhea) and developmental delays that can reduce their lifelong cognitive, socio-emotional and physical potential.