A huge launch for Nepal’s Golden 1000 Days awareness campaign

Deepak Raj Giri, Jitu Nepal, Deepa Shree Niraula, Hon. Member Prof. Dr. Geeta Bhakta Joshi, Hon. Minister Sherdhan Rai, Secretary Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya, Joint Secretary Madhu Kumar Marasini, Tomoo Hozumi and Paras Khadka

On 21 April 2016, the Government of Nepal, the European Union and  UNICEF launched the national “Golden 1000 days Public Awareness Campaign”. Led by the National Planning Commission (NPC), the campaign aims to raise the awareness of the unique window of opportunity between a women’s pregnancy and her child’s second birthday, to shape a healthier and more prosperous future.

“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,” H.E. Rensje Teerink, Ambassador, European Union Delegation to Nepal.

The campaign also aims to reduce maternal and child mortality through improved health and nutrition of adolescents, pregnant and lactating women as well as young children. In a policy speech, Honorable President Bidhya Devi Bhandari mentioned the need to escalate the Golden 1000 Days activities in the Policies and Programs of the Government of Nepal.

“Investment in Nutrition is an investment in ‘human capital..For Nepal to graduate from Least Developed Countries by 2022, improvement in nutrition is a prerequisite, therefore, Nepal is committed to reduce undernutrition among women and children.” – Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada, Vice Chair of the National Planning Commission

Mr. Paras Khadka, the captain of the Nepali Cricket Team, was launched as the Goodwill Ambassador for Nutrition, Food Security and Golden 1000 Days Public Awareness Campaign by Dr. Khatiwada, on behalf of Nepal Government.

On 17 May 2016, an influential event was organised by the NPC with support from the National Health Education Information Communication Centre, UNICEF and the European Union. Honorable Member Dr. Geeta Bhakta Joshi, Member, National Planning Commission was the chair of the event.

The wide reaching event welcomed three Nepali artists as Campaign Promoters whom are known to have strong community outreach and charismatic personalities, key to translating the messages of the campaign to the household level. Mr. Purna Chandra Wasti, Senior Food Research Officer, Department of Food and Technology and Quality Control shared that the role of the promoters, who are popular TV stars, will be crucial in spreading messages about nutrition and its impact on lives.

Honorable Minister Sherdhan Rai, Ministry of Information and Communication was the chief guest and announced talented and popular artists-Deepak Raj Giri, Deepa Shree Niraula and Jitu Nepal as Campaign Promoters of the Golden 1000 Days Public Awareness Campaign

On behalf of the promoters Mr. Deepak Raj Giri shared a few words. He thanked the government of Nepal for giving them an opportunity to be part of such a crucial program which does not only talk about physical growth but the cognitive development. He also committed to promote golden 1000 days messages and programs in Nepal, particularly optimal behavior on care, nutritious food and hygiene for adolescent girls, pregnant women, breast feeding mothers and young children in all the relevant forum of cinema, TV, radio as well as media and in communities in accordance with Golden 1000 Days Public Awareness Campaign.

Madhu Kumar Marasini, Joint Secretary, Social Development Division of the NPC and SUN Government Focal Point presented the “Communication Strategy for implementation of the Golden 1000 Days Public Awareness Campaign”. He outlined the importance of Advocacy, Social Mobilization, Community led Social Transformation and Social and Behavior Change.

Learn more about the April launch event: UNICEF Nepal, Nepal Republic

Read a full report of the May Campaign Promoters event: English