The Gombe state government, in partnership with UNICEF and the Latter-day Saints Charities (LDSC), has launched a new initiative to prevent malnutrition among mothers and children during the first 1,000 days of life.
Experts said it is a critical period that determines a child’s physical growth, cognitive development and future productivity.
The initiative was launched Wednesday at a stakeholders’ meeting held at Travel View Hotel, Gombe, which brought together government officials, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and health experts to strengthen the state’s response to child malnutrition.
The project comes amid growing concern over the burden of malnutrition in Nigeria.
The 2023–2024 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), malnutrition remains a major public health challenge, with Gombe among states where many children continue to face stunting, wasting and micronutrient deficiencies.
The UNICEF Chief of Field Officer commended the Gombe state government for sustaining investments in maternal and child health and for maintaining strong collaboration with development partners to improve child survival.
“Today represents another important milestone in our collective commitment to ensuring that every mother and every child in Gombe state have the opportunity not only to survive but to thrive,” the UNICEF official said.