Importance of breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices in childhood nutrition

Optimal Infant and Young Child Feeding Initiation of breastfeeding within an hour of birth Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months Complementary feeding after six months Continued breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond

Globally 378,942 infants are born each day and need Support to initiate breastfeeding at birth Support to continue with exclusive breastfeeding for six months Support to ensure appropriate and adequate complementary foods are introduced after six months

Breastfeeding Saves Lives! Risk of Mortality

Lancet Child Survival Series,2003, Jones G et al. Indian J Pediatr 2006 U-5 Child deaths (%) saved by universalising key interventions in India

Breastfeeding promotion could potentially prevent 250,000 child deaths due to pneumonia and diarrohea UNICEF 2013 –Landscape Report

NCDs and Brain Development Protective effect on non- communicable diseases – Obesity – Diabetes – high systolic blood pressure Increased performance in intelligence tests 7 WHO, 2013

Contribution of undernutrition to child mortality Source: WHO Global health risks: mortality and burden of disease attributable to selected major risks. Shaded area indicates contribution of undernutrition to each cause of death

Trends in 3 IYCF indicators- India

Complementary feeding indicators -India (NFHS 3)

What Needs to be done? Policy, Plan and Coordination Communication and Information Health, Nutrition care System Mother support, community outreach BFHI IYCF in difficult circumstances Maternity Protection International Code, WHA Protection Promotion Support

Program Coordination and Advisory Committee IHAC Code + Maternal Benefitis Brazilian Breastfeeding Policy Breastfeeding and Complimentary Brazil Network Legal Protection Brazilian Human Milk Bank Network Innovating Component Kangaroo Method Monitoring and Evaluation Education Broadcasting, Social Mobilization and Awards WBW Baby and Mother Friendly Hospital Initiative The breastfeeding gear model for scaling up and sustainability of breastfeeding programs.

Exclusive Breastfeeding 0-6 months and BF trends comparing Brazil and Mexico Perez- Escamilla et al. Adv. Nutr. 3:

Breastfeeding and Infant and Young Child Feeding are important public health interventions to improve: – Child Survival – Child Growth – Child Development Situation of IYCF practices is dismal in most countries A cordinated approach to implement GSIYCF is required to improve IYCF practices Conclusions

Thank you