This document details the strategic plan of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to address disparities in health and developmental outcomes among Americans, particularly between and among racial and ethnic groups. Following a description of the plan's development, scientific areas of interest, and important themes, the document presents the plan's target areas. Each area description includes a discussion of facts, current research, and future goals and objectives. The areas are: (1) infant and maternal mortality and morbidity; (2) reproductive health; (3) HIV/AIDS (targeting women and teens); (4) early antecedents of disparities in disease and growth (fetal mechanisms, obesity and nutrition); (5) early antecedents of child well-being and adverse behaviors; (6) school readiness and cognitive and behavioral development; (7) restoring function and preventing disability (physical and developmental); (8) training and career development; and (9) outreach to communities and their institutions. A roster of advisors is appended. (EV)