Kaduna begins ‘First 1000 Days’ health push

The Kaduna State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving child survival and maternal health with the inauguration of the First 1000 Days of Life Initiative.

Deputy Governor Dr Hadiza Balarabe announced the initiative on Tuesday during a news conference in Kaduna to mark the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week (WBW).

The 2025 theme, “Prioritise Breastfeeding, Create a Sustainable Support System,” highlighted the need to protect child health and support long-term development.

Balarabe emphasised that the first 1,000 days of life, from conception to a child’s second birthday, were critical for lifelong health, brain development, and productivity.

She cited scientific evidence linking exclusive breastfeeding and timely vaccination to improved child survival and stronger immunity.

“In spite of the benefits, exclusive breastfeeding rates in Kaduna remain low, only 41 per cent of infants are exclusively breastfed, according to the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey.

“This is unacceptable. We must create breastfeeding-friendly environments at workplaces, homes, and in our communities,” she said.

She explained that the newly inaugurated initiative included interventions such as early initiation of breastfeeding, postnatal care, exclusive breastfeeding, routine immunisation, and maternal nutrition.

“It also integrates health insurance enrollment for vulnerable families and training for healthcare workers in breastfeeding counselling.

“This initiative aligns with the governor’s broader agenda to strengthen healthcare systems and promote human capital development across the state,” Balarabe added.

Commissioner for Health, Umma Aboki, described breastfeeding as an effective and affordable tool to secure children’s futures.

She also announced the inauguration of a crèche at the Ministry of Health to support breastfeeding among working mothers.

“We urge political leaders, policymakers, health professionals, and communities to support this initiative.

“Breastfeeding is not only a health matter, it’s a development and gender-equity issue,” Aboki said.

She stressed that the initiative aimed to give every child in Kaduna a strong start, break the cycle of poverty, and boost future productivity.

Our correspondent reports that development partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), civil society organisations, and traditional leaders, have pledged support for the initiative.