FG targets child malnutrition with 1,000 days nutrition campaign

Nigeria has launched the "1,000 Days of Life Social and Behaviour Change Campaign" to address critical issues of child malnutrition and enhance maternal and child health outcomes nationwide. The initiative was unveiled in Abuja during the commemoration of World Breastfeeding Week. It targets the crucial period from conception until a child's second birthday, a phase health experts identify as vital for physical growth, brain development, and long-term health.

Daju Kachollom, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting breastfeeding. She described it as one of the most effective and cost-efficient interventions for child survival. Kachollom noted that this year's World Breastfeeding Week theme, "Breastfeeding for Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works," emphasizes the need for robust policies, quality healthcare services, supportive workplaces, and community engagement for mothers.

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Breastfeeding is one of the most effective, life-saving and cost-effective interventions for ensuring healthy child survival and development.

Kachollom expressed concern that while nearly 95 percent of Nigerian mothers breastfeed, optimal practices remain significantly below recommended levels. Citing data from the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, she revealed that only 36 percent of newborns initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, and just 29 percent of infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months. Furthermore, only 23 percent of children continue breastfeeding until 24 months.

"These figures remind us that much more needs to be done. We must strengthen our collective commitment to ensuring that every child receives the best possible start in life," Kachollom stated. She urged Nigerians to adhere to World Health Organization and UNICEF recommendations, including early initiation, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary feeding up to two years. Key barriers identified include delayed initiation, cultural beliefs, inadequate counseling, lack of workplace support, aggressive marketing of breastmilk substitutes, and weak community engagement.

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These figures remind us that much more needs to be done. We must strengthen our collective commitment to ensuring that every child receives the best possible start in life.