First 1,000 Days: Adamawa Urged to Act Early to Save Mothers, Secure Children’s Future

By Umayya Abubakar Njidda

The first 1,000 days of life from conception to a child’s second birthday are considered the most critical period in human development.

Health experts say what happens within this window determines whether a child survives, grows well, learns effectively and becomes productive in adulthood.

In Adamawa State, however, worrying maternal and child health statistics are threatening that opportunity.

At a media engagement held at the RUWASA Conference Hall of the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, stakeholders called for urgent and sustained investment in maternal and child health.

The Chief of Bauchi Field Office of UNICEF, Dr. Nushat Rafique, who explained that a child’s care begins from pregnancy, emphasized the importance of regular antenatal visits, hospital delivery with skilled birth attendants, birth registration and complete immunization.

She also highlighted exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, proper complementary feeding and good sanitation practices as essential steps in protecting a child’s future.

Dr. Rafique expressed concern that more than 60 percent of births in Nigeria still take place at home pointing out that, home deliveries increase the risk of complications and contribute to preventable maternal and newborn deaths.

She used the forum to urged government authorities to ensure health facilities are properly equipped and safe for mothers and babies.

Data presented at the meeting showed that nine local government areas in Adamawa are recording poor maternal and child health indices.

The Director of Community Health Services at the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Rashida Tahir, disclosed that the state recorded 1,627 prenatal deaths and 218 maternal deaths.
She added that the neonatal mortality rate stands at 47 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Health officials warned that neglecting the first 1,000 days has lasting consequences adding that, Poor nutrition during this period can damage brain development, weaken immunity and reduce a child’s performance in school.

Dr. Takwale Joseph Vawa, the Maternal, Perinatal and Child Death Surveillance and Response Desk Officer in Adamawa State, said prevention is far less expensive than treatment.
He stressed that investing in maternal nutrition and quality healthcare reduces long-term medical costs and helps break cycles of poverty.

On her part , Namban Dawap, WASH Officer at the Bauchi Field Office of UNICEF, noted that unsafe water and poor hygiene expose infants to infections that can lead to malnutrition and even death.

Stakeholders also pointed to teenage pregnancy, early marriage, harmful cultural practices and limited male involvement as factors affecting child survival.
They emphasized that investing in the first 1,000 days is not only a health priority but also an economic strategy.