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The status of policy and programmes on infant and young child feeding in 40 countries

Arun Gupta1, Radha Holla, J P Dadhich

  • 1Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI), IBFAN Asia, Delhi, India. arun.ibfan@gmail.com

Health Policy and Planning
|July 6, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Optimal breastfeeding significantly improves child survival and quality of life, yet global exclusive breastfeeding rates remain low. The World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative (WBTi) assessment revealed policy and program gaps in 10 key areas, necessitating coordinated action.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Nutrition Science
  • Global Health Policy

Background:

  • Optimal breastfeeding is crucial for child survival and well-being, yet global exclusive breastfeeding rates are suboptimal (36% for infants <6 months).
  • The Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding highlights the need for policy and program assessment to identify and address implementation gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the implementation of infant and young child feeding policies and programs globally.
  • To identify specific gaps in policy and program implementation across 10 key action areas.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative (WBTi) assessment tool.
  • Analyzed data from 40 countries that completed the WBTi assessment by April 2011, out of 81 countries where it was introduced.

Main Results:

  • The WBTi assessment identified specific policy and program gaps in all 10 areas of action across the analyzed countries.
  • Findings indicate a need for coordinated national efforts with clear plans and financial commitment to address these identified gaps.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing identified gaps in policy and programs is essential for effective implementation of the Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding.
  • Coordinated action, strong advocacy, and committed resources are required to enhance optimal infant and young child feeding practices globally.

Keywords:
BreastfeedingMillennium Development Goals (MDGs)infant and young child feedingpolicy

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