The Federal Government has launched a nationwide 1,000 Days of Life Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Campaign to promote breastfeeding and improve maternal and child nutrition, as part of efforts to reduce malnutrition and give every Nigerian child a healthier start in life.
The campaign was unveiled on Monday in Abuja during the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, themed “Breastfeeding for Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”
Speaking at the launch, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, said the first 1,000 days of life—from conception to a child’s second birthday—represent the most critical period for a child’s survival, growth and development.
“Every child deserves the healthiest possible start to life. Protecting the first 1,000 days is one of the smartest investments we can make for Nigeria’s future, and breastfeeding remains one of the most powerful tools to achieve that,” she said.
Kachollom expressed concern over Nigeria’s low breastfeeding indicators despite the high number of mothers who breastfeed.
According to the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), about 95 per cent of Nigerian mothers breastfeed, but only 36 per cent initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after birth. The survey also showed that only 29 per cent of infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months, while just 23 per cent continue breastfeeding up to two years.
She said the figures underscore the need for stronger interventions.
“These statistics show that while most mothers breastfeed, far too many babies are missing the full benefits of optimal breastfeeding. We must strengthen support for mothers and families during this critical window of opportunity.”
The Permanent Secretary identified delayed initiation of breastfeeding, harmful cultural beliefs, inadequate counselling, limited workplace support and the aggressive marketing of breastmilk substitutes as major barriers to optimal breastfeeding.
She said the new campaign would mobilise families, communities and healthcare workers to promote improved maternal nutrition, early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, appropriate complementary feeding and continued breastfeeding up to two years and beyond.
“This campaign is about changing behaviours, strengthening support systems and ensuring that every mother has the information and support she needs to give her child the healthiest possible start in life,” she added.
Kachollom said the Federal Government is strengthening the National Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition Strategy, expanding Baby-Friendly Hospital and Community Initiatives, enforcing the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, building the capacity of healthcare workers and promoting breastfeeding-friendly workplaces.
Director of Nutrition at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Olufunmilola Adegbite, described the campaign as a strategic investment in the country’s future.
“Investing in nutrition during the first 1,000 days is an investment in Nigeria’s human capital. Healthy children grow into healthier, more productive adults,” she said.
Development partners, including UNICEF, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Federal Government through technical assistance, advocacy and community-based behaviour change interventions.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Vice President Kashim Shettima, Uju Rochas-Anwukah urged stakeholders to ensure the campaign reaches communities across all 774 local government areas.
“Breastfeeding is not just a health issue; it is a national investment in Nigeria’s future. Every child deserves the opportunity to survive, grow and thrive,” she said.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said it would continue working with state governments, development partners, healthcare workers, employers, communities and families to strengthen breastfeeding support systems and improve maternal and child nutrition across the country.