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The Mother and Child Academic Hospital Foundation (MACAH Foundation) together with the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Department of Paediatrics and Child Health believes the concept of “the first 1 000 days” is critical for improving the overall health of the Rainbow Nation.

It is for this reason that the annual “Make the first 1 000 days count” campaign, which takes place every year in November, was created. This campaign refers to the first 1 000 days in a child’s life, from conception to birth (270 days) and the first two years of life (365 days each). It is to create knowledge and awareness and promote the concept and importance of “the first 1 000 days”.

Why is this time frame so important? 

“Many life-long patterns of well-being and illness are predicted by what happens in these early years. Providing for effective and excellent early childhood health (physical and mental) and development is the most significant investment that any country can make. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on the pregnant mother and her offspring, assuring that they enjoy excellent physical and mental health. By doing that, the trajectory of children’s development could be altered so that they may have more successful, productive and fulfilling lives,” said Prof André Venter, MACAH Founding Director.

 Focus on the campaign

This year, the campaign will focus on curbing unwanted pregnancies which are social calamities and happen to the detriment of both the mother and her infant. It will also focus on nutrition because for children to grow, prosper and thrive, it is imperative that they be healthy and are adequately nourished. Another focus of the campaign is maternal mental health which is important because a mother who experiences undue stress during pregnancy produces many “stress hormones”, which negatively influence the baby’s brain development. 

It will also look at birth planning, breastfeeding, simulation and development and a happy, thriving two-year-old who has all the required social and paternal support and immunisations.

Dr Lizzy Tabane, Head of Department for Paediatrics and Child Health in the Faculty of Health Sciences, says the first 1 000 days initiative promotes excellent mother, infant and child health care by supporting community-based programmes to drive the message of the importance of the first 1 000 days of life to teenagers, young adults, healthcare workers and the public. The campaign highlights the importance of stimulation and learning from the earliest possible moments, good nutrition for expectant mothers, prevention of malnutrition in children and early diagnosis of chronic life-threatening illnesses and developmental disorders.

The campaign will run from 1 November till the end of the month.

For more information please watch the videos:

   The “First 1 000 Days” Concept

   The “First 1 000 Days Campaign”: Why the urgency?