Nigeria Launches Campaign to Combat Child Malnutrition

On Monday, during the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week celebration in Abuja, the Federal Government of Nigeria launched the First 1,000 Days of Life Nutritional, Social and Behaviour Change Campaign. This initiative aims to tackle child malnutrition by promoting exclusive breastfeeding and improving maternal and child nutrition.

Mrs. Daju Kachollom, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, represented Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. Kachollom emphasized the importance of breastfeeding, noting that while 95% of Nigerian mothers breastfeed, only 36% initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth, and just 29% exclusively breastfeed for the first six months.

She stated that poor nutrition during the first 1,000 days can lead to severe consequences, including stunting and impaired cognition. The government plans to enhance maternal nutrition programs, expand Baby-Friendly Hospital initiatives, and enforce the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes.

Kachollom also encouraged states to adopt paid maternity leave policies to support nursing mothers.