Breastfeeding and complementary feeding as a public health intervention for child survival in India

The relevance of breastfeeding and complementary feeding as proven child survival interventions, is well documented by the scientific research. These two preventive interventions can save as many as 19% of all child deaths. However, despite the volume of evidence favouring mainstreaming of these interventions, many countries, including India are yet to achieve universal appropriate infant and young child feeding practices. This article attempts to explore the evidenced based role of these interventions in the crusade to save children, and looks into the present scenario of infant and young child feeding in India, along with a possible road map to achieve high rates of early and exclusive breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding in the country.