A thesis reveals that 43% of children in Benin are at risk of not reaching their neurocognitive development potential

Roméo Eseyelogni Zoumenou, from Université Paris Cité, has demonstrated that 43% of children under 5 years old in Benin are at risk of not reaching their development potential. His thesis, defended in 2024, highlights the importance of parental perceptions on neurocognitive development, a crucial issue for the health and education of children in the country.

The thesis of Roméo Eseyelogni Zoumenou, conducted within the LPPS laboratory (URP_4057), addresses the neurocognitive development of children in Benin, where 43% of children under 5 years old are at risk of not realizing their potential. This finding raises questions about the cultural and societal factors influencing this issue, often overlooked in previous research.

By analyzing the correlations between objective assessments of development and parental perceptions, Zoumenou identified gaps in the understanding of children's abilities. Benin's Human Development Index, at 0.525, reflects the structural challenges that exacerbate the situation, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

The results of this research offer strategic recommendations for policymakers, including the development of interventions tailored to cultural beliefs. By collaborating with NGOs and government institutions, it is possible to improve the neurocognitive development of children, which could also reduce long-term healthcare costs.

« « Nearly 43% of children under 5 years old in Benin are at risk of not reaching their development potential, which underscores the urgency of addressing parental perceptions, » says Roméo Eseyelogni Zoumenou. »

« « This research highlights the importance of accessing reliable data to guide public policies and maximize the impact of interventions on child development in Benin, » states the Lektaris team. »