Muhammed Abubakar,Reporting
ABUJA — The federal government has redoubled efforts to tackle child malnutrition with the launch of the First 1,000 Days of Life Nutritional, Social and Behaviour Change Campaign, alongside a nationwide breastfeeding drive aimed at improving exclusive breastfeeding rates and reducing preventable child deaths.
The campaign was unveiled on Monday in Abuja during the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week celebration, where government officials, development partners and health experts called for stronger policies and greater investments to ensure more Nigerian children receive optimal nutrition during the critical first 1,000 days of life.
Alarming Statistics
Representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Daju Kachollom, said although 95 per cent of Nigerian mothers breastfeed, only 36 per cent initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth, while just 29 per cent exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months. Only 23 per cent continue breastfeeding up to 24 months.
“The first 1,000 days of life represent the most critical window for a child’s growth, brain development, future productivity and long-term health. Poor nutrition during this period leads to irreversible consequences, including stunting, impaired cognition, weakened immunity and reduced economic potential,” she said.
Director of Nutrition at the ministry, Mrs Olufunmilola Adegbite, quoted findings from the 2024 National Demographic and Health Survey, revealing that stunting had increased to 40 per cent, wasting to eight per cent, and underweight prevalence to 27 per cent among children aged six to 59 months.
“These alarming figures place Nigeria among countries with the highest burden of child malnutrition globally and underscore the urgent need to strengthen nutrition interventions across the life course,” she said.
Government Interventions
Kachollom said the Federal Government would continue scaling up maternal nutrition programmes, expanding Baby-Friendly Hospital and Community Initiatives, strengthening health worker capacity, enforcing the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, promoting breastfeeding-friendly workplaces and encouraging greater community participation.
The permanent secretary commended the 21 states that have approved six months of paid maternity leave and urged the remaining states to adopt similar policies to support nursing mothers.
Direct Appeal to Mothers
Addressing women in Pidgin English, Kachollom urged mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months without giving them water or honey.
“The first breast milk contains antibodies that protect babies from diseases and help them grow well. Mothers should also eat nutritious foods, including locally grown vegetables, tomatoes and other healthy foods from their gardens,” she said.
She encouraged women to attend antenatal clinics and ensure babies delivered at home are taken to primary healthcare centres for routine immunisation and postnatal care.
New Initiatives
Adegbite disclosed that the ministry would introduce Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) for pregnant women during antenatal care, expand the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, strengthen infant feeding counselling and build the capacity of health workers.
Parents Share Experiences
A nursing mother, Mrs Eya Chidera, described exclusive breastfeeding as demanding but rewarding, saying the practice had greatly benefited all her children.
Also sharing his experience as a supportive father, Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Eya urged men to provide emotional and practical support for their wives throughout the breastfeeding period.