By Fatima Saka
Enugu, Nigeria — Enugu and Benue States are set to benefit from a United States-funded nutrition intervention, implemented by the United Nations Children’s Fund, aimed at tackling malnutrition with a strong focus on the first 1,000 days of life.
The intervention, unveiled at a two-day Joint Inception and Planning Meeting held in Anambra, is designed to address malnutrition among pregnant women, lactating mothers and children under two—groups considered most vulnerable to poor nutrition outcomes.
Speaking at the meeting, UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, Ngozi Onuora, said the programme seeks to develop a strategic roadmap to improve nutrition indicators in participating states. She emphasised that the first 1,000 days—from conception to a child’s second birthday—are critical for physical growth, brain development and long-term wellbeing.
According to Onuora, the one-year intervention, titled “Preventing Malnutrition during the First 1,000 Days of Life,” will be implemented across eight states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as well as Bauchi, Benue, Enugu, Kano, Niger, Oyo and Jigawa.
“The target beneficiaries are pregnant women, lactating mothers and children aged zero to 23 months,” she said. “The programme will scale up high-impact nutrition interventions, promote exclusive breastfeeding, improve complementary feeding practices and strengthen nutrition education for mothers.”
Also speaking, nutrition expert Ada Ezeogu underscored the importance of the intervention window, warning that inadequate nutrition during the first 1,000 days can result in irreversible physical and cognitive damage, with long-term consequences on education and productivity.
“Optimal nutrition during this period can break the cycle of malnutrition and significantly improve national development outcomes,” she said.
On the government side, Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Paul Ogwuche, described the rising malnutrition rates as troubling but reaffirmed the state’s commitment to implementing the strategies outlined at the meeting.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, noted that while Enugu has recorded progress in reducing malnutrition among children, the new grant would further strengthen ongoing interventions and improve key nutrition indicators.
Earlier, UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Enugu, Juliet Chiluwe, commended both state governments for their commitment and stressed the need for coordinated, multi-sectoral approaches involving health, agriculture, education, water, sanitation and social protection systems.
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She added that the meeting provided a platform to align priorities, clarify responsibilities and ensure evidence-based implementation.
“UNICEF remains committed to supporting both states to achieve lasting and sustainable nutrition outcomes,” Chiluwe said.
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