The Federal Government has launched the First 1,000 Days of Life Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Campaign as part of a nationwide effort to improve maternal nutrition, promote healthy child feeding practices and reduce malnutrition among infants and young children.
The campaign was unveiled in Abuja during the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week celebration, which carries the theme, "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works."
The initiative focuses on the critical period from conception until a child's second birthday, widely recognised as the first 1,000 days of life, when nutrition has the greatest impact on physical growth, brain development and lifelong health.
Speaking at the launch, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, represented by the ministry's Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, described the campaign as a strategic investment in Nigeria's future.
He said poor nutrition during the first 1,000 days can lead to irreversible consequences, including stunted growth, weakened immunity, impaired cognitive development and reduced economic productivity later in life.
According to the minister, the campaign seeks to mobilise families, healthcare workers, community leaders and development partners to promote healthier nutrition practices during pregnancy, infancy and early childhood.
The programme encourages improved maternal nutrition, early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, timely introduction of complementary foods and continued breastfeeding up to two years and beyond.
It also aims to increase the utilisation of Primary Health Care Centres for antenatal care, safe delivery, postnatal services, immunisation and nutrition support.
The government expressed concern over current breastfeeding statistics in Nigeria despite widespread awareness of its benefits.
Data from the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey shows that while about 95 percent of Nigerian mothers breastfeed, only 36 percent begin breastfeeding within one hour of birth, 29 percent exclusively breastfeed for the first six months and just 23 percent continue breastfeeding until children reach two years of age.
Health officials identified delayed breastfeeding, harmful cultural beliefs, inadequate counselling, weak community support and aggressive marketing of breastmilk substitutes as major obstacles to improving child nutrition.
The Director of Nutrition at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Olufunmilola Adegbite, described breastfeeding as more than a health intervention, saying it is also an investment in education, national productivity and sustainable development.
She noted that children who receive adequate nutrition during the first 1,000 days are more likely to become healthier, better educated and economically productive adults.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Uju Rochas-Anwukah, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who described breastfeeding as one of the most effective public health interventions available.
She said the Vice President has directed that breastfeeding should be regarded as a national investment rather than solely a maternal responsibility because of its long-term health and economic benefits.
Development partners, including UNICEF, pledged continued technical and advocacy support for the campaign while urging governments, communities and families to strengthen efforts to improve maternal and child nutrition nationwide.
The Federal Government said the campaign will be implemented across the country through stronger community engagement, improved health services and sustained public awareness to ensure that every Nigerian child receives the best possible start in life.
Officials believe the initiative will help reduce child malnutrition, lower infant mortality and contribute to building a healthier and more productive population for the future.