FCTA launches maternal, child health project to tackle malnutrition

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in collaboration with UNICEF and the United States Department of State, has launched the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Umbrella Grant Project aimed at tackling malnutrition during the first 1000 days of life across the FCT.

Abuja Metro reports that the first 1000 days of life include 270 days of pregnancy, 180 days of infancy (0-6months), and 550 days of toddlerhood (7-24 months), during which the brain, body systems, and cognitive functions develop at the fastest pace.

Speaking at the inception meeting of the project in Abuja, the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, described the initiative as a significant step toward strengthening nutrition governance, financing, service delivery, and community engagement to address persistent nutrition challenges affecting women and children.

According to her, the project will enhance coordination among stakeholders, improve data systems, build the capacity of frontline health workers, and promote optimal maternal, infant and young child feeding practices.

Dr Fasawe stressed that despite the FCT’s urban status, many communities continue to face nutrition-related challenges due to poor feeding practices and limited nutrition education.

The Mandate Secretary also expressed concern over misconceptions surrounding child nutrition, noting that some communities still perceive obesity in children as a sign of good nutrition.

Dr Fasawe emphasised that investing in women’s health and nutrition remains critical to sustainable development.

“The FCTA recognises the critical importance of investing in the health and nutrition of women because a well-nourished mother would and a well-educated mother would always bring up a well-nourished and educated child”, she said.

Also speaking, UNICEF’s Nutrition Manager, Sumit Karn, described the grant as a catalyst for strengthening ongoing nutrition interventions, particularly those focused on preventing malnutrition during the first 1,000 days of life, from pregnancy through a child’s second birthday.

He explained that the programme seeks to improve food and nutrition security, maternal health, child survival, and long-term economic productivity through evidence-based interventions.

“The first 1,000 days represent a critical window of opportunity to reduce stunting, improve nutritional status and enhance child survival,” he said.

The UNICEF official noted that the project is being implemented in eight states, including the FCT, and will focus on pregnant women, lactating mothers and children under two years of age.

He explained that the programme is built around three major components: strengthening nutrition governance and financing; improving health, food and social protection systems; and enhancing community engagement and behaviour change communication.

Karn urged government agencies and implementing partners to accelerate implementation given the project’s relatively short duration, stressing that timely results could attract additional donor support.

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