Experts Urge Investment in Healthcare for Children's Survival

During a workshop organized by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Bauchi, experts expressed urgent concerns regarding the lack of prioritization of healthcare investments for children, particularly during the first 1,000 days of life. Dr.

Nuzhat Rafiqu, Chief of UNICEF's Bauchi Field Office, emphasized the importance of this period for brain development and future school performance, urging government attention to the issue. Dr.

Takwal Joseph from the Maternal and Child Death Surveillance and Response (MPCDSR) desk highlighted the serious socio-economic consequences of failing to invest in this critical stage, noting that 45% of deaths in underdeveloped countries are linked to malnutrition. The experts called for integrated services to support mothers and children, stressing that poor nutrition during this period can lead to developmental deficits that limit productivity in adulthood.

UNICEF's Mr. Nanbam Dawap also advocated for integrating water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs with maternal and child health initiatives.