Why First 1,000 Days for a Child Are Crucial

Well, that is something many mothers take seriously even though not all.

But as much as breastfeeding is a key component for the growth of a child, there is another factor that parents and community need to also pay close attention to – the first 1,000 years of that child.

According to Simon Wamu, the Chief Executive Officer of Education Empowerment for Rural and Urban Elums (EERUi), a non-governmental organization that develops intervention on education for underserved communities, the first 1,000 days of a person is a critical period.

“That is the period where 90 percent of the brain is formed, attitudes are also formed during this period and also behaviors are shaped,” said Wamu.

“So any interventions that are taken and have a potential of having greater impact must be within this period for the child,” he added.

Speaking while launching the 1,000 days campaign targeting mothers, caregivers, and the community, the ERRU CEO said there was a need for awareness and roles of everyone to be raised for the responsible raising of the children.

The campaign is targeting up to 5,000 mothers in Langas estate, a slum residential estate within Eldoret town.

“We want to mobilize mothers and caregivers in this area so that we raise responsible children. We teach them about responsive caregiving, impacts of abuse and neglect, and how that has an impact on the general development of a child,” Wamu noted.

He also said the initiative seeks to help address high mortality that is usually witnessed among children below 1,000 days.

“Mothers need to ensure they conduct issues relating to good health, ensure there are no abuse and neglect within the family set up and engage in parental stimulation that will prepare the children for school, as well as the general wellness campaign,” Wamu said.