By Kamaluddeen Nuhu Ilelah:
The Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, has called for urgent and sustained investment in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, describing the period as a critical window for survival, growth, and long-term productivity.
She made the call during a media dialogue on the First 1,000 Days of Life held in Adamawa State.
Dr. Rafique said the 1,000-day period spans from conception through pregnancy, the first year of life, and up to a child’s second birthday. According to her, the care a woman receives during pregnancy determines not only the survival of the child but also the child’s future health and development.
Citing findings from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), she noted that Nigeria remains one of the highest contributors to maternal and under-five mortality globally and records the highest under-five morbidity rate in West Africa. She described the malnutrition situation in North-East Nigeria as “devastating and shocking.”
She warned that inadequate care during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, and other complications. The safest way to protect both mother and child, she said, is for pregnant women to complete antenatal care visits and deliver in health facilities under skilled supervision.
Dr. Rafique expressed concern that over 60 percent of births in Nigeria still occur at home, a major factor contributing to maternal and child deaths. She urged state and local governments to ensure health facilities are well-equipped and infection-free to prevent complications during childbirth.
She also emphasized that a child’s survival after birth depends on exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, timely immunization against childhood killer diseases, and the introduction of safe and nutritious complementary foods made from locally available ingredients. Good sanitation and hygiene practices, including ending open defecation, are equally critical in preventing diarrhea and other infections, she added.
Highlighting that the highest risk of death occurs within the first 24 hours and the first month of life, Dr. Rafique outlined seven key stages for child survival: antenatal care, hospital delivery, exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding, immunization, proper sanitation, and access to quality education.
In his remarks, the General Manager of the Adamawa State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Mr. Esly Emmanuel, represented by Director of Quality Control Amin Williams, said collaboration with UNICEF has produced significant results in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector. He acknowledged the media’s role in sustaining advocacy on the first 1,000 days agenda.
Also speaking, Dr. Takwale Joseph Vawa described the first 1,000 days as a unique window for physical growth and brain development that forms the foundation for lifelong health, learning, and productivity. He warned that damage done during this period is often irreversible.
Dr. Vawa revealed that 45 percent of under-five morbidity is linked to malnutrition, noting that poor nutrition during pregnancy can result in low birth weight, growth failure, and increased vulnerability to infections. He identified harmful socio-cultural practices—such as discarding colostrum, delaying breastfeeding initiation, and preferring traditional remedies over medical care—as major threats to child survival. He called for improved maternal nutrition, supplementation, stronger health systems, and sustained investment in nutrition programs.
On her part, the Director of Community Health Services in Adamawa State, Hajiya Rashida Tahir, disclosed that nine Local Government Areas in the state record poor maternal and child health indices. She cited statistics showing 1,627 perinatal deaths, 218 maternal deaths, and a neonatal mortality rate of 43 per 1,000 live births. She attributed these figures to shortages of skilled health personnel, inadequate training for birth attendants, insufficient equipment, and poor funding.
However, she commended UNICEF’s support through the EU-SARAH project, noting that it has helped reduce negative health indicators in the state.
The Adamawa State Nutrition Officer, Mr. Wulanga Alfred, announced increased government funding for child nutrition, stating that ₦100 million was allocated in 2023, ₦200 million in 2024, and ₦300 million in 2025 for nutrition programmes.
Similarly, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office WASH Officer, Namban Dawap, stressed that access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services is essential to child survival within the first 1,000 days.
Dr. Rafique concluded by urging the Adamawa State Government to emulate Bauchi State in the fight against open defecation. She noted that while Bauchi has achieved 10 Open Defecation Free (ODF) Local Government Areas, only two LGAs in Adamawa have attained ODF status.
She reiterated that investing in the first 1,000 days of life is not only vital for reducing maternal and child mortality but also for building a healthier and more productive society.
