The United Nations Children’s Fund has urged mothers to prioritize maternal nutrition and the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, describing this period as a golden window that must not be compromised. UNICEF Nutritionist Specialist Ada Ezeogu made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday, on the sidelines of a Media Advocacy Meeting organized by the National Orientation Agency in collaboration with UNICEF.
The two‑day programme, attended by at least 50 media practitioners, was held at the Patron Hotel in Lekki, Sangotedo, Lagos State. Ezeogu emphasized that focusing on nutrition during this critical window can prevent the damage children often experience in early life. She stressed that children under two years should receive appropriate foods and exclusive breast milk for the first six months, followed by a combination of other nutrient‑rich foods that must not be compromised.
“The first 1,000 days is a golden window for a child’s mental and physical development because it is when the brain is being built and the foundation for lifelong health is laid,” Ezeogu explained. “Therefore, a woman must be well nourished before, during, and after pregnancy, as a child depends heavily on the mother for nutrient requirements. Early initiation of breastfeeding is essential.”
Exclusive breastfeeding, she added, supports both mental and physical development, enhancing a child’s intelligence and overall activity levels, and provides a strong start in life. Conversely, a lack of vital nutrients from the time pregnancy is confirmed through the early stages of a child’s life can lead to irreversible problems such as stunted growth and wasting.
The nutritionist highlighted that food plays a crucial role in a child’s physical and mental health, urging parents to meet these basic nutritional needs so that children can thrive in all aspects of life.
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