Hussaini Ibrahim 
YOLA, Nigeria — The Adamawa State Government has launched the First 1,000 Days of Life Nutrition Project to tackle child malnutrition and improve the health of pregnant women, newborns and children under two, following alarming data showing that nearly half of children in the state are stunted.
Representing Deputy Governor Prof. Kaletapwa George Farauta, the Chief of Staff, Edgar Amos, on Friday said the period from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday is critical for physical growth, brain development and lifelong health.
Amos said the 2023–2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey found that 48.6 per cent of children in Adamawa are stunted, while malnutrition contributes to nearly half of under-five deaths nationwide. “The launch of this project underscores our commitment to enhancing maternal and child nutrition.
Focusing on the first 1,000 days offers one of the smartest investments we can make to cut child mortality, boost learning outcomes, and create a stronger, more productive population,” he said.
UNICEF Bauchi Field Office representative, Huzhat Rafique, said the programme will promote healthy pregnancies, skilled birth attendance, early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, full immunisation, improved hygiene and appropriate complementary feeding to reduce the burden of child malnutrition.
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Korede Abdullah 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Otamere Gladness