By Joseph Asegba, Yola
The Adamawa State Government has launched the First 1,000 Days of Life Nutrition Project, a major initiative aimed at improving maternal and child nutrition while reducing the burden of malnutrition among children across the state.
The project, officially unveiled on Thursday at the Government House Conference Hall in Yola, will provide critical nutrition support to pregnant women, newborns, and children from conception until their second birthday—a period widely regarded as crucial for healthy growth and brain development.
The programme is a partnership between the Adamawa State Government, UNICEF, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and other development partners.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Governor Prof. Kaletapwa George Farauta, represented by the Chief of Staff, Edgar Amos, described the initiative as a landmark intervention in safeguarding the health and future of children in Adamawa.
He noted that adequate nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life is essential for physical growth, cognitive development, and lifelong well-being.
Amos expressed concern over the high prevalence of child malnutrition in Nigeria, noting that it contributes to nearly half of all deaths among children under the age of five.
He added that the 2023–2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey shows that 48.6 percent of children in Adamawa are stunted, describing the figure as alarming and one that demands urgent action.
“The launch of this project underscores our commitment to improving maternal and child nutrition.
“Investing in the first 1,000 days of life is one of the most effective ways to reduce child mortality, improve learning outcomes, and build a healthier and more productive population,” he said.
The project will be implemented by the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency in collaboration with UNICEF, with funding provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Its key components include strengthening nutrition services, promoting optimal infant and young child feeding practices, community mobilisation, and enhancing the capacity of frontline health workers.
The initiative also supports national programmes such as the Nutrition 774 Initiative and the Health Sector-Wide Approach, while advancing Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage for women and children.
Amos commended the development partners for their support and called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, local government authorities, healthcare workers, and community members to actively support the programme to ensure its success.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health and Human Development, Muhammad Chidado Jada, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Pharmacist Mathias Bubal, described the project as a timely intervention.
He stressed that improving nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood is not only essential for better health outcomes but also a strategic investment in the state’s human capital, as healthy children are more likely to perform well in school and contribute meaningfully to society.
UNICEF Bauchi Field Office representative, Huzhat Rafique, said the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is partnering with the state to address one of Nigeria’s most pressing public health challenges.
She observed that between 40 and 50 percent of children in many parts of Nigeria suffer from malnutrition, emphasizing that preventive interventions during the first 1,000 days of life are critical to reversing the trend.
The project will promote healthy pregnancies, skilled birth attendance, early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, routine immunisation, improved hygiene and sanitation, and appropriate complementary feeding practices to give children the best possible start in life.