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In order to ensure a good start to life for every child there is a need for research on social determinants of health and, in wider social and economic spheres, to achieve greater health equity. 1 Different sorting processes lead to people entering upon various paths early on in life and, as an echo from the past, life opportunities are shaped by previous and current family circumstances, alongside people’s aspirations, wishes and abilities (Figure 1). Failing to make necessary investments in children and adolescents based on their overall needs is neither economically nor socially sustainable. 2