The Federal Government has launched the National 1,000 Days of Life Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Campaign to improve maternal and child nutrition by promoting optimal breastfeeding and healthy feeding practices from pregnancy through a child’s second birthday.
The campaign was unveiled in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, themed “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.” It is aimed at reducing malnutrition, improving child survival and ensuring every Nigerian child gets the healthiest possible start in life.
Speaking at the launch, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, described breastfeeding as one of the most effective and cost-efficient interventions for child survival and development.
She said protecting the first 1,000 days of a child’s life represents a critical investment in Nigeria’s future, noting that breastfeeding remains a powerful tool for improving health outcomes.
Kachollom cited findings from the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), which showed that although about 95 per cent of Nigerian mothers breastfeed, only 36 per cent begin breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, 29 per cent exclusively breastfeed for the first six months, and just 23 per cent continue breastfeeding up to two years.
She attributed the low rates to delayed breastfeeding initiation, harmful cultural beliefs, inadequate counselling, limited workplace support and the aggressive marketing of breastmilk substitutes.
According to her, the Federal Government is addressing these challenges by strengthening the National Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition Strategy, expanding Baby-Friendly Hospital and Community Initiatives, enforcing regulations on breastmilk substitutes, training healthcare workers and promoting breastfeeding-friendly workplaces.
The new campaign will also mobilise families, communities and health workers to encourage improved maternal nutrition, early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, appropriate complementary feeding, continued breastfeeding up to two years and increased use of Primary Health Care Centres for maternal and child health services.
Director of Nutrition, Olufunmilola Adegbite, described the initiative as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital, while development partners, including UNICEF, pledged continued technical and advocacy support.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, Uju Rochas-Anwukah called on stakeholders to ensure the campaign reaches communities across all 774 local government areas, describing breastfeeding as a national investment in the country’s future.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reaffirmed its commitment to working with state governments, healthcare providers, development partners, employers and communities to strengthen breastfeeding support systems and improve maternal and child nutrition nationwide.
