The Enugu State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Child Nutrition Fund, USA, and other development partners, have reiterated the importance of proper nutrition during a child’s first 1,000 days of life, describing the period as critical to healthy growth, brain development and lifelong wellbeing.
The stakeholders made the call during a one-day intensive scaling-up and review meeting on child nutrition held in Enugu with the theme, “Combat Child Malnutrition and Enhance Healthy Growth.”
Delivering the keynote address, Benndeth Okoli, the Enugu State Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication, who convened the meeting, said adequate nutrition from conception until a child’s second birthday provides the foundation for optimal physical and cognitive development while strengthening immunity against chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and certain cancers later in life.
She described the first 1,000 days, from conception to a child’s second birthday, as a unique window of opportunity to ensure proper growth, brain development and future productivity.
According to her, “Adequate and diverse nutrition during this period can significantly improve a child’s chances of survival, healthy development and future productivity.
