The First 1000 Days, from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday, are the most crucial days in mom’s and baby’s life. Meeting the age specific nutritional needs during the First 1000 Days of life positively influences short and long-term health outcomes. To this end, Nestlé introduces a powerful, public and socially responsible initiative in Pakistan to inform and educate about the importance of nutrition in the First 1000 Days of life through its Nestlé Start Healthy Stay Healthy (NSHSH) platform. The initiative was launched via an exclusive press meet in Karachi.
The event was hosted by renowned radio personality Khalid Malik and media addresses by Nestlé’s Nutrition Business Executive Head, Mr Jason Avancena, Nestlé’s Code Compliance Manager, Mr Amir Ikram, Nestlé’s Nutrition Medical Director Dr Huma, along with actress and TV personality Juggun Kazim, activist and motivational speaker Muniba Mazari, legendary music icon Hadiqa Kiani and musician Ali Hamza who spoke about their specific experience and learning during the first 1000 days of life.
NSHSH’s First 1000 Days journey aims to educate people by dividing the awareness initiative into 3 stages i.e. pregnancy, weaning and toddler stage. Globally launched and lauded across the last 3 years, the First 1000 days of nutrition initiative is particularly significant in Pakistan where there is little education and awareness on the early stages of a child’s life and on women’s health. The NSHSH endeavors to build more of such awareness.
The FIRST 1000 DAYS is centered on the following three stages: Pregnancy: Educating mothers about the importance of nutrition at conception. Weaning/Common Problems: The process of introducing a child to semi solid food at 6 months of age to complement his/her growing nutritional needs.
Toddler: Once the child enters the most exciting time of his/her life i.e. toddler stage, his/her nutritional needs also vary. Every part of his/her body is developing, including the motor, verbal and cognitive skills. NSHSH reflects on all the changes from toys to diapers and of course nutritional needs.
Individual nutritional needs for each stage of growth have to be met through a rich, varied and balanced diet. By the time First 1000 Days are over, a healthy child is all set for the world out of his warm nest. To learn more about #First1000Days, please visit https://www.starthealthystayhealthy.pk/