By Esther Olaoluwa |
The Kaduna State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched the First 1,000 Days Social and Behaviour Change Initiative for Nutrition to promote better nutrition and improve maternal and child health across the state.
The initiative, launched as part of activities marking World Breastfeeding Week, focuses on the period from conception until a child reaches two years of age, with emphasis on exclusive breastfeeding, maternal nutrition and improved infant and young child feeding practices.
State Government Pushes Breastfeeding, Child Nutrition
Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna, the Commissioner for Health, Umma K. Ahmed, said this year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme, “Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: Strengthen what works,” highlights the need to strengthen interventions that have proven effective in improving child survival and development.
Ahmed described breastfeeding as one of the most effective and affordable ways to support healthy childhood development, noting that exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months provides infants with essential nutrients, protects against diseases, strengthens immunity and supports brain development.
“Breastfeeding is not only the first and best food for every child, but it is also a foundation for lifelong health. Continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary feeding until two years of age and beyond further enhances a child’s growth and development,” she said.
She said the state government remained committed to strengthening maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and nutrition services across the 23 local government areas.
According to her, the government is implementing programmes focused on infant and young child feeding, baby-friendly health facilities, maternal nutrition and community-based nutrition services.
Ahmed also called on fathers, families, employers, healthcare providers, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations and development partners to support nursing mothers.
“I encourage all mothers to initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of life, and continue breastfeeding with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond,” she said.
UNICEF Backs First 1,000 Days Programme
The UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, Kaduna Field Office, Chinwe Ezeife, said the First 1,000 Days Initiative was being strengthened because the period from conception until a child turns two is critical to survival, growth and development.
Ezeife described breastfeeding as both a health intervention and an investment in human capital development.
“Breastfeeding is one of the strongest foundations we can give a child for survival, growth and development. It is not just a health intervention; it is also a critical investment in human capital development,” she said.
She explained that the World Breastfeeding Week theme was focused on strengthening interventions that have already produced positive results.
Ezeife commended Kaduna State for its efforts to promote breastfeeding, particularly the adoption of six months’ paid maternity leave for eligible women.
She said the policy gives mothers more opportunity to practise exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended six-month period.
The UNICEF official also praised the establishment of breastfeeding-friendly workplaces in the state, noting that the Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission had established a crèche and deployed caregivers to support working mothers.
“When mothers return to work after maternity leave, we are advocating for the establishment of crèches and breastfeeding-friendly workplaces. Kaduna State has already demonstrated commendable leadership in this regard,” she said.
Focus on Early Breastfeeding and Maternal Nutrition
Ezeife said UNICEF was promoting three key breastfeeding practices: initiating breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months without water or other food, and continued breastfeeding alongside complementary feeding until at least two years of age.
She also stressed the importance of maternal nutrition, noting that a woman’s nutrition before conception, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding can affect the health and nutrition of her child.
According to her, Kaduna State, with support from UNICEF, has trained healthcare workers on Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition to improve counselling and support for mothers.
Ezeife expressed optimism that the state would record improved breastfeeding indicators compared with those reported in the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey.
She said UNICEF was also tracking mothers who delivered between August 1 and August 7 to monitor early initiation of breastfeeding practices.
Ezeife urged communities, traditional rulers, religious leaders and local government authorities to support mothers in adopting recommended breastfeeding practices.
She commended Governor Uba Sani’s administration for its continued efforts to improve maternal and child nutrition in Kaduna State.
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