Group 3: Coordination

Preparedness: Constraints Lack of coordination among key sectors and partners Nutrition not considered a priority in most countries, hence IYCF not a priority Absence of policies IYCF Code Lack of proper guidelines for policy implementation Lack of mechanisms for coordination with the military in emergencies Lack of coordinated and harmonised capacity development (IYCF trainers, counselors, motivators, BCC, etc.) Misguided reporting by the MEDIA Lack of baseline data on IFE

Preparedness: Solutions Appropriately implement the cluster approach with clearly defined TORs (e.g, food vis-a-vis nutrition) Govt leadership and involvement from the beginning Advocacy and technical support for Govt commitment to IYCF Advocacy for placing nutrition and IFE high on Govt agenda Technical and managerial support to ensure effective implementation of IYCF actions Media briefing and press conferences on key issues on IYCF Develop standardized messages for the Media Ensure availability of IFE baseline data before emergency strikes Ensure harmonised and coordinated training of health workers and breastfeeding counsellors Adoption of Operational Guidance on Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies

Early Response: Constraints IFE not included in initial rapid assessments IFE not considered as priority in emergency responses – (absent in Joint Appeals) IFE often not included in Joint Appeals Lack of sectoral coordination in humanitarian responses Lack of registration/identification of U5 children in emergencies, hence appropriate responses not identified Regular food basket lacks age specific food items, especially for complementary feeding

Early Response: Solutions IFE to be included in initial assessments IFE to be included in joint appeals Registration of U5 children to identify separated/orphaned children Coordinated decision making on the food basket for emergencies Provision of multiple micronutrients for pregnant and lactating women and children 6-59 months Coordination with WASH to ensure secure access to safe water and sanitation facilities Coordination with the military and other sectors to ensure appropriate IFE responses Coordination in support to non-breastfed infants Coordination in monitoring of use of BMS and infant formula