The Adamawa government, in partnership with UNICEF, has launched the First 1,000 Days of Life Nutrition Project to improve maternal and child nutrition and reduce malnutrition in the state.

The project, inaugurated on Thursday in Yola, is funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and implemented by the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency.

Deputy Governor Kaletapwa Farauta, represented by the Chief of Staff to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Amos Edgar, described the first 1,000 days of life as the foundation for healthy growth and lifelong development.

She said investments during the period would reduce child mortality, improve learning outcomes, and build a healthier and more productive society.

“Today marks another important milestone in our collective efforts to improve maternal and child nutrition and advance the health and well-being of our people.

“The first 1,000 days of life, from conception to a child’s second birthday, represent the most critical period for physical growth, brain development and lifelong health.

“Investing during this period is one of the most effective ways to reduce child mortality, improve learning outcomes and build a healthier, more productive society,” she said.

Mrs Farauta said undernutrition contributed to nearly half of the deaths among Nigerian children under five, underscoring the need for urgent and coordinated interventions.

She cited the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), which put Adamawa’s stunting prevalence at 48.6 per cent, highlighting the need for sustained nutrition interventions.

According to her, the project will strengthen nutrition services, improve maternal and child feeding practices, enhance community participation, and reinforce the state’s healthcare system.

She said the initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s Nutrition 774 Initiative, the Health Sector-Wide Approach, and Adamawa’s Universal Health Coverage agenda.

Mrs Farauta commended UNICEF and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for supporting the project and urged stakeholders to ensure its successful implementation.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Mohammed Jada, represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mathias Bubal, described the project as a landmark intervention.

He commended UNICEF for supporting nutrition, immunisation, maternal and child health, primary healthcare, and health systems strengthening in the state.

According to him, the interventions align with the state government’s priorities and have greatly improved health outcomes.

Earlier, UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Bauchi, Nuzhat Rafique, said the project focused on preventing malnutrition from conception until a child’s second birthday.

She identified skilled birth attendance, early breastfeeding, immunisation, hygiene and sanitation, diversified complementary feeding, and positive community practices as key preventive measures.

Mrs Rafique said the project would also strengthen evidence-based planning, multi-sectoral coordination, nutrition services, and treatment for severe acute malnutrition while prioritising prevention.

 (NAN)