Children's fund launches program to help mothers

The China Children and Teenagers Fund launched a new program on Tuesday to provide healthcare assistance to mothers and children.

The initiative, sponsored by global food giant Nestle, is called "The first 1,000 days of life".

The first 1,000 days after pregnancy are the most crucial for a mother and child to lay a foundation for nutrition and health, said Chen Junshi, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering at the China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment.

Mickey Lee, senior vice-president with Nestle Infant Nutrition, said the 1,000 days between a woman's pregnancy and her child's 2nd birthday offer a unique window of opportunity to shape healthier and more prosperous futures. The right nutrition during this 1,000-day window can have a profound impact on a child's ability to grow, learn and rise out of poverty. It can also shape a society's long-term health, stability and prosperity.

Brief surveys by the foundation showed that most mothers in China still don't have an understanding of the 1,000-day concept.

Zhao Donghua, vice-president of the All-China Women's Federation, said by promoting knowledge in health and nutrition, mothers and children will be healthier.

The program includes nationwide promotion of the "first 1,000 days of life", free consultations about nutrition to mothers and children and training healthcare workers.