The Adamawa State Government, in partnership with UNICEF and supported by Global Affairs Canada, has launched a new nutrition and healthcare initiative aimed at improving maternal and child health during the critical first 1,000 days of a child’s life. The programme focuses on reducing child malnutrition, improving survival rates, and strengthening healthcare systems across the state.
The initiative was introduced during an inception meeting held in Yola, where officials highlighted the importance of early childhood nutrition and healthcare. According to health experts, the period from pregnancy until a child’s second birthday is crucial for physical growth, brain development, and long-term wellbeing. The programme is designed to provide preventive and community-based healthcare interventions for pregnant women, newborns, and infants.
Officials from the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency described the project as a strategic intervention that will improve child survival and healthy development in the state. The initiative will also strengthen nutrition systems, healthcare services, food support, and social protection programmes to ensure sustainable impact within communities.
UNICEF representatives stressed that malnutrition remains a major contributor to child mortality in Nigeria, especially in northeastern states such as Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe. The organisation noted that poor feeding practices, inadequate maternal nutrition, and repeated childhood illnesses continue to worsen malnutrition rates among children.
The programme will focus on maternal healthcare, antenatal support, exclusive breastfeeding, immunisation, birth registration, nutrition counselling, and child protection services. UNICEF officials explained that strengthening healthcare systems for mothers and children can significantly improve nutrition outcomes and reduce preventable child deaths in the region.
The Adamawa State Government also pledged to sustain the intervention beyond the initial implementation period by committing human, financial, and material resources. Authorities stated that the project aligns with the state’s broader efforts to improve healthcare delivery and tackle chronic malnutrition affecting vulnerable children and women.
