Group 1: Policies

General Framework Operational Guidance, Step 1: Endorse or Develop Policies addressing: IYCF in emergencies, stressing protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding Procurement, distribution and use of BMS, milk products, commercial baby foods and infant feeding equipment in compliance with the Code

Recommended policy outline May not be good idea to have stand alone policy on IYCF – use framework for disaster relief and ensure IYCF integrated Also advisable to have a comprehensive IYCF policy which deals with IYCF in emergencies – ensure consistency between this and overall emergency policy Policy needs to be adopted/endorsed at highest level. A policy adopted by one ministry/sector may not be respected by others This will require advocacy at the highest level Needs to include co-ordination element (e.g. national disaster coordinating council at national, municipal and district level)

Sections in the policy Rationale and background Scope, coverage and limitation Definitions Preparedness plan Coordination - allocation of roles and responsibilities - standard operating procedures Designation of overall responsible body Monitoring and evaluation Procedure for policy improvement incorporated – separability clause

Sections in the policy (continued) Policy calls for implementation plan – procedures for development

Ministries/sectors addressed by policy Need to involve/address all relevant ministries/sectors in development and implementation of policy: Designation of relevant government structures/departments; Military (incl. foreign) CBOs and FBOs NGOs (local, Intl) Media communications Other Civil society (consumer groups, watch dogs) UNICEF (cluster lead) and other UN agencies Policy should also address the responsibilities of commercial sector

Roles and responsibilities Raising awareness Capacity Building – needs to be in place and part of preparedness plan – needs to identify key groups for training and prioritize Communication Monitoring Evaluation Control of supplies