First 1,000 days of a child critical for lifelong development - UNICEF

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By Madu Obi

The United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, has described the first 1,000 days of every child as critical for lifelong health and development.

Addressing major stakeholders from Benue and Enugu states during a two-day joint meeting from the two states on "Preventing malnutrition in the first 1000 days of life" at Agulu Lake Resort in Anambra State, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Enugu, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, said because of the critical nature of the period in a child's life, there is need to prioritize impactful investments by the various stakeholders.

The Anambra meeting was organized by UNICEF in collaboration with Enugu and Benue states, and funding from the United States Government.

Reiterating UNICEF’s commitment to assist states in tackling malnutrition and improving health outcomes in the eight states covered by the Enugu Field Office, Chiluwe commended the two state governments for demonstrating political will towards enhancing the nutrition and health of women and children in their states.

She said: "The first 1000 days of a child constitutes a decisive window for shaping lifelong health capacity and economic potentialities. The meeting is, therefore, aimed at mapping out ways of supporting our women and children in our states.

"This meeting marks the critical milestones in the partnership between UNICEF and the states to ensure that the well-being of our women and children are supported.

"With support from the United States government, the states of Enugu and Benue are collaborating with UNICEF on the child's life, from conception to first 1000 days.

"We support this cycle with antenatal care and the necessary vaccines so that they are protected from vaccine- preventable diseases. We also want to ensure that the children are well fed within the period, while the lactating mothers are taken care of appropriately."

According to her, the programme takes place in all the states supported by UNICEF office, adding that Enugu and Benue are being showcased based on available support and commitment they made towards the well-being of women and children.

At the meeting, representatives of the two state governments also commended their governors for prioritizing the health and well-being of women and children.

Dr Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, the Executive Secretary of Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency, said the state government allocated N160 million to the Child Nutrition Fund for procurement of essential commodities.

She commended UNICEF for supporting the state with nutrition commodities worth hundreds of millions of naira, including multiple micronutrient supplements, Vitamin A supplements, therapeutic foods and lipid-based nutrient supplements.

Also Speaking, the Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche described the high rate of malnutrition in the state as unfortunate and commended UNICEF and the United States for their continued support.

He recognized the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life to societal development and pledged the state government's commitment to implement and improve the nutritional well-being of women and children in the state.