Kaduna State has launched its First 1,000 Days of Life Initiative in commemoration of World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2025. The initiative was officially unveiled by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, during a press briefing organized by the State Ministry of Health.
Dr. Balarabe described the first 1,000 days, from conception to a child’s second birthday, as a critical period for brain development, growth, and long-term health. She expressed concern over the state’s low exclusive breastfeeding rate, noting that only 41 percent of babies in Kaduna are exclusively breastfed, according to the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) report.
She stated that the new program will focus on early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding, improved nutrition and micronutrient support for mothers, routine immunization, responsive caregiving, access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), as well as birth registration and inclusion in health insurance schemes.
According to her, breastfeeding is not just a health issue but also a development priority, a gender issue, and a human rights imperative. She further noted that the Kaduna State Government’s six-month maternity leave policy plays a vital role in enabling working mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding.
Earlier, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Umma K. Ahmed, welcomed attendees and urged all stakeholders to continue championing breastfeeding. She commended UNICEF, other development partners, and health workers for their commitment to ensuring that children in Kaduna have a healthy start in life.
The event gathered key health sector stakeholders, including directors from the Ministry of Health, heads of health agencies, representatives from civil society organisations, development partners, faith-based organisations, and other health advocates.
The Kaduna State Government called on communities, workplaces, and families to create supportive environments for breastfeeding mothers, emphasizing that collective action can give every child in the state the best start in life.