THE NATION NEWS

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has harped on the importance of the first 1,000 days of life to a child, particularly the day of birth, as it is a critical period that determines whether the child will survive, thrive, and transform.

It explained that the day of birth is very important, as 30 percent of stillbirth occurs on the day of delivery, 50 per cent of maternal and newborn deaths occur during birth, 75 percent of all newborn deaths occur in the first week of life, while 40 per cent of under five years deaths occur in the first 28 days of life.

Fifty percent of child, mother deaths occur during birth, says UNICEF
Politics & Governance · Fifty percent of child, mother deaths occur during birth, says UNICEF

UNICEF, therefore, called on the federal, state, and local governments, including parents, to ensure that children received adequate care in terms of immunization, breastfeeding, nutritious foods, skilled birth attendants, environmental and personal hygiene, among others, in their first 1,000 days of life.

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Author
Emeka Obi
Senior political and economy reporter covering Nigeria from Abuja. Over 12 years of experience tracking government policy, legislative affairs, and Nigeria's evolving business landscape.