Abuja: The Adamawa Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, has launched the First 1,000 Days of Life Nutrition Project aimed at enhancing maternal and child nutrition to combat malnutrition in the state.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the initiative was inaugurated in Yola, with funding support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and will be executed by the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency. Deputy Governor Kaletapwa Farauta, through her representative Dr Amos Edgar, emphasized the importance of the first 1,000 days of life as a critical phase for fostering healthy growth and development.
The project seeks to address child mortality rates, enhance learning outcomes, and contribute to a healthier and more productive society. Farauta noted the significant impact of undernutrition on child mortality, citing the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) which reported a stunting prevalence of 48.6 percent in Adamawa. This underscores the urgency for sustained nutritional interventions.
The initiative’s objectives include strengthening nutrition services, improving maternal and child feeding practices, enhancing community participation, and reinforcing the state’s healthcare system. It aligns with the Federal Government’s Nutrition 774 Initiative and other health strategies aimed at universal health coverage in Adamawa.
UNICEF’s role in supporting various health sectors, including nutrition and immunization, was highlighted by Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Mr Mohammed Jada, through his representative Mr Mathias Bubal. He acknowledged the positive impact of these interventions on health outcomes in the state.
UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Bauchi, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, further elaborated on the project’s focus on preventing malnutrition from conception to a child’s second birthday. Key strategies include promoting skilled birth attendance, early breastfeeding, immunization, and improved hygiene and sanitation practices.
The project is also designed to enhance evidence-based planning, multi-sectoral coordination, and treatment for severe acute malnutrition, with a strong emphasis on prevention.