Kathmandu, April 21

Nepal government in partnership with the European Union and United Nations Children’s Fund today launched the Golden 1,000 Days Public Awareness Campaign for improved nutrition of children and women in Nepal.

The 1,000 days is a period between a woman’s pregnancy and her child’s second birthday.

Speaking at the launching programme organised by National Planning Commission, Health Minister Ram Janam Chaudhary said healthy Nepal was not possible without ensuring good health of its people.

“This awareness campaign will not only benefit children, adolescents and women in the country but also contribute to the prosperity of the country.”

Chaudhary further said, “All sectoral ministries should plan and implement their policies and programmes under the Multi-Sector Nutrition Plan, focusing on Golden 1,000 Days so that everyone understands the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.”

Under-nutrition is a major problem in Nepal with about 37 per cent of children under five years of age suffering from stunting, which has serious, irreversible and lifelong consequences.

Similarly, the report states that malnutrition causes 45 per cent child deaths.

“Investment in nutrition is an investment in ‘human capital’,” said Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada, vice chairperson of the NPC. “For Nepal to graduate from Least Developed Countries by 2022, improvement in nutrition is a must.

Therefore, Nepal is committed to reducing undernutrition among women and children.”

The government had launched a Multi-Sector Nutrition Plan in 2012. MSNP stresses on improving nutrition for mothers and babies.

Proper nutrition during the 1,000 days’ window can improve health and well-being of children and significantly reduce human and economic burden of diseases.

Ranju Kumari Jha, chairperson of Women, Children, Senior Citizens and Social Welfare Committee of Parliament, highlighted the importance of coordination among parliamentary committees, related ministries and the NPC.

“Tackling nutrition requires a truly multi-sectoral approach, and in this regard I have to congratulate Nepal for having one of the most advanced and truly multi-sectoral nutrition policy in Asia,” said Rensje Teerink, ambassador, EU Delegation to Nepal.

“With this new EU/UNICEF and government partnership for improved nutrition, we will reach out to communities most in need of interventions to enhance maternal, infant and child nutrition,” she said,