‘First 1000 Days’ programme launched in Dimapur

The deputy commissioner of Dimapur, Sachin Jaiswal, launched the ‘First 1000 Days’ programme in Dimapur

DIMAPUR — The deputy commissioner of Dimapur, Sachin Jaiswal, launched the ‘First 1000 Days’ programme during a programme held in the conference hall of the chief medical officer’s (CMO) office in Dimapur on Thursday.

“The first 1000 days of life-between a woman’s pregnancy and her child’s second birthday is a unique period of opportunity when the foundations for optimum health and development across lifespan are established. Each day of this journey is special and influences the way a child develops, grow, and learn for the rest of his life,” stated an update from the CMO office.

Speaking at the launch event, Jaiswal stated that the intervention during the first 1000 days of life is not a new concept as the Medical department has been working hard to provide ante-natal care (ANC) to pregnant women as well as new-born care and immunisation services for many years.

He has emphasised on promoting locally sourced food and homemade foods which are more organic and suitable to the local people and not to rely on food supplement packages available in the market. He also stressed on the importance of involving both parents in child care and urged the health workers to insist the presence of the father/husband during ANC visits. As parenting is a partnership, he insisted that counseling of childcare should be given to both the parents.

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He also requested the healthcare workers to sensitise the parents on all the schemes provided by central and state governments during such ANC visits. He further requested the faith-based organisations, civil Societies and NGOs to spread awareness to the public.

Dr. Rebecca, district programme officer of RCH/UIP, presented the keynotes of the first 1000 days of life, while Dr. Wabang Imchen, consultant and paediatrician at District Hospital Dimapur, spoke on the importance of new born care, first 6 months of exclusive breast feeding and early childhood development and Dr. Yanrenthung, senior consultant at District Hospital Dimapur, highlighted on the importance of ANC and hospital delivery.

Keniekesangulie Zumu, DPO of Social Welfare department, has sensitised on Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) and nutritional support during the first 1000 days given to pregnant women and child, while M Yimoik Phom, ADPM from Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), has sensitised on SBCC through SHG institutions and Imlilemla Longkumer, district community mobilisation, highlighted on village health and sanitation day.

After the launch programme, a training on strengthening of ante-natal care services was conducted for programme officers, medical officers, staff nurses, community health officers and auxiliary nurses and midwives.

Also read: Zunheboto, Mokokchung launch ‘First 1000 Days’ programme