Adamawa, UNICEF launch initiative to tackle child malnutrition and deaths

The Adamawa State Government, in partnership with UNICEF and Global Affairs Canada, has launched a new healthcare initiative aimed at reducing child deaths caused by malnutrition and poor maternal care.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Yola, officials stressed the importance of proper nutrition and healthcare during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, from pregnancy until a child’s second birthday.

The programme, known as the Essential Support Humanitarian Action for Children Project, seeks to improve healthcare services for pregnant women, newborns, and infants across Adamawa State through preventive and community-based interventions.

Sulaiman Bashir, Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ADPHCDA), described the partnership as a major step toward improving child survival and healthy development in the state.

According to him, the initiative will focus on low-cost but high-impact healthcare services capable of reaching communities across Adamawa.

He added that the state government would provide human, financial, and material support to sustain the programme, while development partners would assist with its implementation.

“Our mantra is to leave no one behind and nothing untouched,” Bashir said.

Also speaking, Nuzhat Rafique, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office Chief, said the first 1,000 days of life are critical to a child’s physical and mental development.

She explained that the project would promote maternal healthcare, antenatal services, nutrition counselling, exclusive breastfeeding, immunisation, birth registration, and child protection.