From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has reiterated its commitment to improving child survival and maternal health by launching the First 1000 Days of Life Initiative as part of activities marking the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week (WBW).
The event, held in Kaduna, brought together key stakeholders including development partners, health professionals, policymakers, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations.
The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, made this known while addressing a press conference at Government House, saying the theme of the 2025 WBW, “Prioritize Breastfeeding, Create a Sustainable Support System,” reflects the urgency to protect child health and strengthen long-term development.
“For over two decades, Nigeria has joined the global community to commemorate World Breastfeeding Week, and Kaduna State has remained a committed partner. This year, we are not only celebrating breastfeeding we are taking action,” she said.
Dr. Balarabe noted that the first 1000 days of life from conception to a child’s second birthday offer a critical window for laying the foundation for lifelong health, development, and productivity.
“The scientific evidence is clear. Exclusive and continued breastfeeding, alongside timely vaccinations, proper hygiene, and responsive care during this period, has a lasting impact on brain development, immunity and child survival,” she added.
She decried the low exclusive breastfeeding rate in the state, citing the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey which shows that only 41 per cent of babies in Kaduna are exclusively breastfed.
“This figure is not acceptable. We must build breastfeeding-friendly environments in workplaces, homes, and communities. Women need support, time, and respect to practice optimal breastfeeding,” the Deputy Governor emphasized.
The newly launched First 1000 Days of Life Initiative is a multisectoral intervention that includes early initiation of breastfeeding, postnatal care, exclusive breastfeeding, micronutrient supplementation, vaccinations, access to clean water and sanitation, and early childhood stimulation.
According to Dr. Balarabe, the initiative also includes health insurance enrollment for vulnerable families, as well as efforts to train healthcare workers in breastfeeding counselling and maternal nutrition. “This is in line with Governor Obasane’s broader agenda to build resilient healthcare systems and promote human capital development across the state,” she said. In her remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Umma Ahmed, described breastfeeding as an effective and affordable tool to secure the future of children in Kaduna.
“To mark this occasion, we are also commissioning a crèche at the Ministry of Health. This demonstrates our commitment to supporting working mothers to continue breastfeeding,” she said. Hajiya Aboki urged political leaders, policymakers, health workers, and the general public to rally behind the initiative, saying breastfeeding was not only a health issue, but a development and gender equity issue. “This is about giving every child in Kaduna the strong start they deserve. It is about breaking cycles of poverty and boosting productivity in the long run,” she added.
Other partners including WHO, CSOs, and traditional leaders pledged their support for the initiative, vowing to take the message of breastfeeding promotion to the grassroots. Reports that activities for the 2025 WBW in Kaduna will include community roadshows, media campaigns, webinars, and public dialogues aimed at mobilizing communities and increasing awareness.
Others include Dr Gerida BirukilaChief of Field Office,UNICEF Kaduna and Rahila Maishanu the BMS Desk officer of NAFDAC .
