Programming Guide

Infant and
Young Child
Feeding

May 2011
Nutrition Section, Programmes, UNICEF New York

Cover photos (clockwise from top left):

Zambia: UNICEF/NYHQ2010-0847/Christine Nesbitt
Cuba: Edin Pop
Laos: UNICEF/LaoPDR00284/Jim Holmes
Bangladesh: UNICEF/NYHQ2006-2693/Shehzad Noorani
Mali UNICEF/NYHQ2009-1913/Giacomo Pirozzi
Sudan: UNICEF/NYHQ2009-1476/Kate Holt
Turkey: UNICEF/NYHQ2005-1222/Roger LeMoyne

United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF)

May 2011
Permission to reproduce or extract any part of this document is required.

This is a working document. Any comments or corrigenda to this version and requests to reproduce may be sent
to: the IYCF Unit, Nutrition Section, UNICEF New York, at: [email protected]

ii

Acknowledgements
This programming guide was prepared by Nune Mangasaryan, Senior Nutrition Advisor (Infant and
Young Child Nutrition), Christiane Rudert, Nutrition Specialist (Infant Feeding) Mandana Arabi,
Nutrition Specialist (Complementary Feeding) and David Clark, Nutrition Specialist (Legal), from the
Infant and Young Child Feeding Unit, Nutrition Section, Programmes, UNICEF New York, with the
support of Werner Schultink, Chief of Nutrition Section.
The inputs provided by the following people are acknowledged: Paula Claycomb, Communication for
Development, France Begin, Regional Nutrition Advisor APSCC, Maaike Arts, Nutrition Specialist in
Mozambique, Anirban Chatterjee, former Nutrition Specialist HIV Care and Support UNICEF New
York. Editing support was provided by Linda Sanei and Crystal Karakochuk, NETI Programme
Nutrition Specialist.
As a working document, the Programme Guidance will periodically undergo revisions to improve its
programmatic utility. Comments and suggestions are welcome from UNICEF staff and partners.
For questions arising from this document or general questions on IYCF programming, contact the
IYCN Unit: [email protected]. For specific questions regarding breastfeeding programming and HIV and
infant feeding please contact Christiane Rudert ([email protected]). For questions regarding
complementary feeding programming, please contact Mandana Arabi ([email protected]). For
questions regarding the Code and other legal aspects of IYCF programming, please contact David
Clark ([email protected]).For questions on communication to promote behaviour and social change,
please contact Paula Claycomb ([email protected]). For general comments or questions on IYCF
programming or any other topics not mentioned above, please contact Nune Mangasaryan,
[email protected].

This document can be downloaded from the UNICEF Intranet website.

iii

Preamble
This Programme Guidance contains detailed programming information on IYCF, including
breastfeeding, complementary feeding and infant feeding in general and in especially difficult
circumstances including in the context of HIV and in emergencies. It also briefly addresses maternal
nutrition. The key action areas for these components are detailed at the different levels, including
national policy/strategy level, health services, and community. The document provides strategic
programme recommendations for priority IYCF actions and their operationalization that will support
achievement of MDGs 1 and 4, among others, as well as UNICEF Medium Term Strategic Plan
(MTSP) Focus Area 1 on Young Child Survival, Growth and Development. The document emphasizes
that breastfeeding and complementary feeding both play a significant role in the reduction
undernutrition (both stunting and wasting) which is a key strategic area of UNICEFs equity focus. The
document briefly summarizes UNICEFs role in IYCF programming, but the document is not focused
on UNICEF actions alone it may be used by a broad range of partners involved in IYCF
programming.
The Programme Guidance serves as a single reference on IYCF programming updating existing
1
2
guidance where necessary (e.g. HIV and infant feeding and the Code ) and adding new or more
detailed guidance where little existed previously (e.g. complementary feeding, community-based
programming and communication). It draws upon and builds on existing tools such as the 2007
WHO/UNICEF Planning Guide for National Implementation of the Global Strategy for IYCF, with
additional detailed and practical guidance on the how the design and implementation of the
recommended key IYCF action areas at scale in a comprehensive manner. For each component, the
document describes the best practices, based on lessons learned, case studies, reviews and evidence
of impact. It suggests options to implement proven effective interventions, such as institutionalizing the
BFHI, building skills of community health workers to counsel and support mothers on IYCF and
describing improved approaches to communication for behaviour and social change. The guidance
highlights that communication alone is not sufficient for improving breastfeeding and complementary
feeding practices, and needs to be complemented by counselling and support by skilled workers at
community and health system levels.
The new guidance on complementary feeding programming includes the process and tools for
assessment of various parameters to understand the local complementary feeding situation, a decision
tree on selecting appropriate programmatic options depending on the local situation and the use of
different types of products within complementary feeding programmes.
Annex 1: Resources, tools & useful websites contains a listing with active web links of major reference
materials, tools and resources on IYCF to facilitate the planning and implementation process.
The Programming Guide aims to be comprehensive. However, users may elect to use only those
chapters, resources and tools that provide the direction they are seeking on a specific topic. The
potential for modular use of the guidance is the reason why there is a certain amount of repetition in
the document.
This document may be used to help design and implement comprehensive IYCF programmes, but
also to assess the extent to which existing programmes are congruent with the recommended key
action areas. The associated IYCF Assessment Matrix (Resources Annex 1-1) is to be used to provide
a detailed overview of the scope and scale of all of the action areas in each country. This overview will
serve as a baseline, and after a certain number of years the matrix can be updated to assess the
progress in each country with the various programme components.
Finally, UNICEF has also recently developed a number of new tools for IYCF: a complete generic
training package and planning/adaptation guide for community based IYCF counselling; a set of
training slides and resource module on communication on exclusive breastfeeding (currently being
conveyed through webinars but can be used in the field too) and an e-learning course for programme
managers and technical staff on IYCF, currently under development in collaboration with Cornell
University. A slide set on the programme guidance can be used to promote and advocate for
increased attention to IYCF or to orient stakeholders on the key IYCF action areas.
1
2

UNICEF, CF/PD/PRO/2002-03: Infant Feeding and Mother to Child Transmission of HIV

UNICEF, CF/PD/PRO/2000-03: Implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes

iv

Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.............................................................................................................................. III
PREAMBLE .............................................................................................................................................. IV
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................................................................................... VII
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: KEY POINTS ................................................................................... 1
1. BACKGROUND ...................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 2
1.2 IYCF AND ITS ROLE IN CHILD SURVIVAL, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT ...................................................... 3
1.3 SUMMARY OF GLOBAL SITUATION ...................................................................................................... 10
1.4 THE POLICY BASES FOR IYCF ............................................................................................................. 14
1.5 SUMMARY OF THE EVIDENCE ON EFFECTIVE OF INTERVENTIONS .............................................................. 15
2. NATIONAL LEVEL STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR IYCF .................................................. 17
2.1. ADVOCACY, PARTNERSHIPS AND COORDINATION .................................................................................. 18
2.1.1 Advocacy and partnerships ................................................................................................ 18
2.1.2 Coordination....................................................................................................................... 19
2.2. SITUATION ASSESSMENT ................................................................................................................... 21
2.2.1 Completing assessment matrix .......................................................................................... 21
2.2.2. Obtaining baseline of practices using the updated IYCF indicators ................................... 22
2.2.3 Reviewing the area graphs for the country........................................................................ 24
2.2.4 Collecting additional quantitative & qualitative data ....................................................... 25
2.3 DEVELOPING NATIONAL IYCF POLICY ................................................................................................... 27
2.3.1 National IYCF Policy............................................................................................................ 27
2.3.2 Policies for strengthening IYCF within health systems ....................................................... 28
2.3.3 Policies to strengthen IYCF within community-based services........................................... 29
2.4 DEVELOPING A COMPREHENSIVE IYCF STRATEGY & PRIORITIZING INTERVENTIONS ...................................... 30
2.4.1 Goals, objectives and targets of the national IYCF strategy ............................................... 31
2.4.2 Costing of the strategy ....................................................................................................... 32
2.4.3 Key components and interventions of IYCF strategy.......................................................... 32
Strategy component: Legislation .......................................................................................................................... 33
Strategy component: Interventions in the health system .................................................................................. 35
Strategy component: Community based IYCF interventions ........................................................................... 37
Strategy component: Communication for behaviour and social change ........................................................ 38
Strategy component: Additional complementary feeding interventions/components ................................... 39
Strategy component: IYCF in exceptionally difficult circumstances ................................................................ 43

2.4.4 Prioritizing interventions .................................................................................................... 45

Prioritizing interventions to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding ...................................................... 45
Prioritizing and selecting interventions to improve complementary feeding: Decision Tree ........................ 46
2.5 USING ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTEGRATION OF IYCF ............................................................... 51
2.6 DEVELOPING NATIONAL & SUB-NATIONAL IYCF PLANS OF ACTION AND MOBILIZING RESOURCES ................... 53

2.6.1 Developing national & sub-national plans ......................................................................... 53

2.6.2 Mobilizing resources and partners ..................................................................................... 56
2.7 IMPLEMENTING, MONITORING, REVIEWING AND EVALUATING ................................................................. 57
3. ACTION AREAS FOR IYCF IMPLEMENTATION .............................................................. 63
3.1 REGULATORY ACTIONS ...................................................................................................................... 63
3.1.1 Implementation of national legislation on marketing of BMS (Code) ................................ 63
3.1.2 Implementation of maternity protection and workplace BF policies ................................. 64
3.2. HEALTH SERVICE LEVEL ACTIONS ........................................................................................................ 65
3.2.1 IYCF counselling and support skills in pre-service and in-service training curricula ............ 65
3.2.2 Capacity building of health providers in IYCF counselling ................................................... 66
3.2.3 Infant feeding counselling and support in health services .................................................. 68
3.2.4 Institutionalization of the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding ......................................... 71
3.2.5 Group education & communication in the health services .................................................. 73

3.2.6 Strengthening complementary feeding: supplementation in the health system ................ 74

3.2.7 Counselling and support in the health system on maternal nutrition during pregnancy and
lactation ............................................................................................................................. 75
3.3 COMMUNITY LEVEL ACTIONS .............................................................................................................. 76
3.3.1 Assessment, design & planning of community-based IYCF .................................................. 77
3.3.2 Building capacity for and implementing community IYCF counselling ................................. 82
3.3.3 Mother-to-mother support ................................................................................................... 85
3.3.4 Supportive supervision, monitoring and evaluation ............................................................. 88
3.4 COMMUNICATION .......................................................................................................................... 90
3.4.1 Establishment of national communication coordination mechanism .................................. 91
3.4.2 Undertaking a communication situation assessment and analysis ..................................... 91
3.4.3 Development of a communication strategy and operational plan ...................................... 94
3.4.4. Design of messages and materials and selection of channels ............................................ 99
3.4.5 Implementation of the communication strategy ............................................................... 102
3.4.6 Monitoring and evaluation of the effect of communication on behaviour ........................ 103
3.5 IYCF IN EXCEPTIONALLY DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES ........................................................................... 107
3.5.1 HIV AND INFANT FEEDING ............................................................................................................ 107
3.5.1.1 Summary of updated evidence and recommendations and implications ....................... 107
3.5.1.2 Development of guidelines on HIV and infant feeding ................................................... 111
3.5.1.3 Specific programming issues related to HIV and infant feeding ..................................... 112
3.5.2 INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD FEEDING IN EMERGENCIES........................................................................ 118
3.5.2.1 Importance of optimal IYCF in emergencies .................................................................... 118
3.5.2.2 Priority actions................................................................................................................. 120
ANNEX 1: RESOURCES, TOOLS & USEFUL WEBSITES ................................................. 126
Resources Annex 1-1: Policy & Planning...................................................................................... 126
Resources Annex 1-2: Technical .................................................................................................. 127
Resources Annex 1-3: Tools for formative research & other situation assessment tools............ 128
Resources Annex 1-4: Monitoring and evaluation ...................................................................... 130
Resources Annex 1-5: Code.......................................................................................................... 130
Resources Annex 1-6: Maternity Protection ................................................................................ 131
Resources Annex 1-7: Health service IYCF actions....................................................................... 131
Resources Annex 1-8: Community based IYCF ............................................................................. 133
Resources Annex 1-9: Communication ........................................................................................ 134
Resources Annex 1-10: HIV and Infant Feeding........................................................................... 135
Resources Annex 1-11: IYCF in emergencies................................................................................ 135
Resources Annex 1-12: Useful websites ...................................................................................... 137
ANNEX 2. SAMPLE MONITORING SHEET FOR IYCF COUNSELLING .......................... 140
ANNEX 3: SAMPLE PLANNING MATRIX FOR COMMUNICATION STRATEGY ............. 141
ANNEX 3: GLOSSARY .......................................................................................................... 147
REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................... 154

vi

List of Abbreviations
ACSD
AED
AFASS
AIDS
ANC
APSCC
ART
ARVs
ASF
BCC
BFC
BFHI
BMS
CAR
C4D
CBO
CCM
CEE/CIS
CF
CHW
CMAM
Code
CSB
CSGD
CW
DALY
DHS
EBF
EFNEP
EID
ENA
ENN
EPI
FAO
FBFs
HFP
HIV
HMIS
HSS
HW
GAIN
GMP
GSIYCF
IATT
IBFAN
ICDC
IEC
IFA
IFE

accelerated child survival and development

Academy for Educational Development
affordable, feasible, acceptable, sustainable and safe
acquired immune deficiency syndrome
ante-natal care
AsiaPacific Support Service Centre (UNICEF combined regional support office for
East Asia/Pacific and South Asia)
anti-retroviral therapy
anti-retrovirals
animal source food
behaviour change communication
baby-friendly community
Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative
breastmilk substitutes
Central African Republic
communication for development
community-based organization
community case management
Central and Eastern Europe/Commonwealth of Independent States (UNICEF region)
complementary feeding
community health worker
community-based management of acute malnutrition
International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and subsequent relevant
World Health Assembly Resolutions
corn soy blend
child survival, growth and development
community worker
disability adjusted life years
Demographic and Health Survey
exclusive breastfeeding
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program
early infant diagnosis (of HIV)
essential nutrition actions
Emergency Nutrition Network
expanded programme on immunization
Food and Agriculture Organization
fortified blended foods
homestead food production
human immunodeficiency virus
health management information system
health systems strengthening
health worker
Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition
growth monitoring and promotion
Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding
Inter-Agency Task Team
International Baby Food Action Network
International Code Documentation Centre
information, education and communication
iron and folic acid
infant feeding in emergencies

vii

ILO
IMCI
IYCF
IYCN
KAP
LAM
LBW
LNS
LQAS
LSHTM
MAM
MBB
MICS
MDGs
M&E
MMR
MNs
MTCT
MTSP
MUAC
OR
ORS
OVC
NETI
PAHO
PLWH
PMTCT
PRSP
RED
QA
RUF
RUIF
SAM
SBA
SF
SIDS
SMART
SOWC
SQUEAC
SWAp
TBA
TIPS
UNFPA
UNICEF
U5MR
WFP
WHA
WHO

International Labour Organization

integrated management of childhood illness
infant and young child feeding
infant and young child nutrition
knowledge, attitudes and practices
lactation amenorrhoea method
low birth weight
lipid nutrient supplements
lot quality assurance system
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
moderate acute malnutrition
Marginal Budgeting for Bottlenecks
multiple indicator cluster survey
Millennium Development Goals
monitoring and evaluation
maternal mortality ratio
micronutrients
mother to child transmission of HIV
medium term strategic plan
mid-upper arm circumference
operations research
oral rehydration solution
orphaned and vulnerable children
New and Emerging Talent Initiative (UNICEF)
Pan American Health Organization
people living with HIV
prevention of mother to child transmission
poverty reduction strategy paper
Reaching Every District
quality assurance
ready to use foods
ready to use infant formula
severe acute malnutrition
skilled birth attendant
supplementary feeding
sudden infant death syndrome
specific, measureable, achievable, realistic, time-bound (re. objectives)
State of the Worlds Children
Semi- Quantitative Evaluation of Access and Coverage
sector-wide approach to planning or programming
traditional birth attendant
trials of improved practices
United Nations Population Fund
United Nations Childrens Fund
under-five mortality rate
World Food Programme
World Health Assembly
World Health Organization

viii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: KEY POINTS

Strategies to improve Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) are a key component of the child survival
and development programs of many nations, supported by UNICEF and WHO. The scientific rationale
for this decision is clear, with steadily growing evidence underscoring the essential role breastfeeding
and complementary feeding as major factors in child survival, growth and development. The
importance of breastfeeding as the preventive intervention with potentially the single largest impact on
reducing child mortality has been highlighted. In addition, of the available nutrition interventions,
improvement of complementary feeding have been shown to be most effective to improve child
growth, and thereby, together with maternal nutrition interventions, to contribute to reducing stunting.
A number of recent programmatic reviews have highlighted factors for success and important lessons
learned in large-scale programmes. A total of 20 countries worldwide have recorded gains of more
than 20 percentage points in rates of exclusive breastfeeeding of infants at 0-6- months of age in a
period of approximately ten years. Factors for success, in general, are the large-scale implementation
of comprehensive, multi-level programmes to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding, with strong
Government leadership and broad partnerships. Despite the achievements, there is still significant
room for improvement and acceleration in programming to improve infant and young child nutrition.
This includes both increasing and sustaining good breastfeeding practices as well as interventions to
improve complementary feeding.
A comprehensive approach to IYCF involves large-scale action at national level, health system and
community levels, including various cross-cutting strategies such as communication and contextspecific actions on infant feeding in the context of emergencies and HIV. National-level actions include
advocacy to generate increased commitment to IYCF and the development of policies, legislation,
strategies and plans to implement the main operational targets of the WHO-UNICEF Global Strategy
for Infant and Young Child Feeding (GSIYCF) [1]. The planning process includes conducting a detailed
situation assessment, with emphasis on formative research on areas where information is often
limited, like complementary feeding practices and the diets of children aged 6-23 months, as well as
knowledge, attitudes, practices and social norms related to infant and young child feeding. Also
highlighted is the process of selecting, prioritizing and designing context-specific interventions to
improve breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices, for which various criteria must be
considered.
Building capacities and conducting supportive supervision for health workers and community workers
to implement integrated infant and young child feeding counselling and support (addressing both
breastfeeding and complementary feeding) at key maternal and child health contacts is a must in all
settings. Further, actions include ensuring adequate IYCF content in the national pre- and in-service
curricula for various cadres of health providers, as well as improving breastfeeding practices in
maternity facilities through institutionalization of the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding or the Baby
Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI). Mother to mother support groups in the community are another
possible component, and finally, actions involve effective and targeted communication strategies to
promote recommended infant/child feeding practices, using multiple channels and messages tailored
to the local context and the specific barriers. Crucial to all these actions is focused monitoring and
evaluation, with effective use of the data generated.
For complementary feeding, education and counselling on improved use of locally available foods is
the cornerstone of interventions in all contexts. Where the main nutritional problems are micronutrient
deficiencies and locally available foods cannot provide sufficient micronutrients (which is most often
the case for iron), supplementation with multiple micronutrients may be recommended in addition to
optimizing use of locally available foods. In food-insecure populations with significant nutrient
deficiencies and where locally available foods are inadequate in macro- and micronutrients, additional
components such as fortified complementary foods and/or lipid-based nutrient supplements may be
needed to fill nutrient gaps.

1. BACKGROUND
1.1

Introduction

Optimal Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) is presented in the WHO/UNICEF Global Strategy
for Infant and Young Child Feeding (2003) (Resources Annex 1-1) as follows:
As a global public health recommendation, infants should be exclusively breastfed
for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health.
Thereafter, to meet their evolving nutritional needs, infants should receive safe and
nutritionally adequate complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for
up to two years of age or beyond. Exclusive breastfeeding from birth is possible
except for a few rare medical conditions as specified by WHO and UNICEF [2], and
virtually every mother can breastfeed.
In addition, a growing body of recent evidence underscores the important global recommendation that
1
breastfeeding be initiated within the first hour of birth.
IYCF actions are often implemented as part of the priority child survival and development programs of
UNICEF and WHO, as well as the plans of many nations. The scientific rationale for this decision is
clear, with several decades of scientific documentation on this topic including the several Lancet
Series on Child Survival 2003 [3], Nutrition 2008 [4], Newborn Health 2005 [5], Childhood
Development 2007 [6] reconfirming the essential role of infant and young child feeding as major factor
in child survival, growth and development.
Important new information is now available on what works to improve infant and young child feeding.
Results from efficacy and effectiveness trials have demonstrated the effects of community-based
approaches to improve breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices. New food technologies to
improve the diet of children 6-23 months of age have been developed and tested.
Policy and strategy documents produced by WHO and UNICEF over the last 25 years provide a sound
basis for action. This has resulted in the prioritization of IYCF in programmes in many countries,
leading to improvements in breastfeeding practices in those countries today compared to the late
1980s and early 1990s, as well as achievements in reducing stunting in countries that moved towards
more comprehensive approaches to IYCF. Despite the achievements, there is still significant room for
improvement in programming to improve infant and young child feeding practices. This includes both
increasing and sustaining good breastfeeding practices as well as interventions to improve
complementary feeding.
Why, then, the concern now? With competing priorities, disease-specific interventions, and an
interest in technologies, campaigns and products, the health and nutrition impact provided by good
infant and young child feeding is often underestimated. Interventions to improve infant and young child
feeding need increased attention and commitment if sustainable achievements in child survival, growth
and development are to be attained. Successful IYCF interventions rely on behaviour and social
change implemented at scale, which can only be reached through political commitment, adequate
resource allocation, capacity development and effective communication. Current investments in
nutrition in general and IYCF in particular, are very small given the magnitude of the problem and the
potential impact.
This document summarizes the current understanding of optimal infant and young child feeding and
presents the scientific rationale (see Resources Annex 1-1) and policy and strategy bases. The
recommendations for national strategies and actions are based on evidence of efficacy and
effectiveness, country experiences and lessons learned. The conclusion is clear: success in increasing
optimal infant and young child feeding practices is based on commitment for implementing
comprehensive, evidence based, at scale programming tailored to the local context.

The recommendation on early initiation was not mentioned in the GSIYCF, but is supported by evidence, is one of the Ten
Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and is one of the core indicators for infant and young child feeding (2008 edition)

1.2

IYCF and its role in Child Survival, Growth and Development

IYCF and child survival

Of all proven preventive health and nutrition interventions, IYCF has the single greatest potential
impact on child survival. Therefore, reduction of child mortality can be reached only when nutrition in
early childhood and IYCF specifically are highly prioritized in national policies and strategies.
The 2003 landmark Lancet Child Survival Series [3] ranked the top 15 preventative child survival
interventions for their effectiveness in preventing under-five mortality. Exclusive breastfeeding up to six
months of age and breastfeeding up to 12 months was ranked number one, with complementary
feeding starting at six months number three. These two interventions alone were estimated to prevent
almost one-fifth of under-five mortality in developing countries (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Per cent of child deaths that could be prevented with 99% coverage of preventive
interventions
Breastfeeding (EBF up to 6mo
& BF up to 12 mo) Continued

13%

BF

Insecticide treated materials

7%
with

Complementary feeding

6%

Zinc

5%

Hib vaccine

4%

Clean delivery

4%

Water, sanitation, hygiene

3%

Antenatal steroids

3%

Vitamin A

2%

Tetanus toxoid

2%

Newborn temperature management

2%

Nevirapine & replacement feeding

2%

Measles vaccine

1%

Antibiotics for premature rupture of

membrane

1%

Antimalarial preventive treatment in

pregnancy

<1%

10

1
2

14

Source: Lancet Child Survival Series 2003 [2]

The 2008 Lancet Nutrition Series [4] also reinforced the significance of optimal IYCF on child survival.
Optimal IYCF, especially exclusive breastfeeding, was estimated to prevent potentially 1.4 million
deaths every year among children under five (out of the approximately 10 million annual deaths).
According to the Nutrition Series, over one third of under-five mortality is caused by undernutrition, in
which poor breastfeeding practices and inadequate complementary feeding play a major role. (See
Resources Annex 1-1 for a references and resources supporting the evidence for IYCFs impact on
reducing under-five mortality).
Growing evidence points to the impact of early initiation of breastfeeding on neonatal mortality. A
2006 study in rural Ghana [7] showed that early initiation within the first hours of birth could prevent
22% of neonatal deaths, and initiation within the first day, 16% of deaths, while a study in Nepal [8]
found that approximately 19.1% and 7.7% of all neo-natal deaths could be avoided with universal
initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour and first day of life respectively.
Breastfeeding, especially six months of exclusive breastfeeding, has a significant effect in the
reduction of mortality from the two biggest contributors to infant deaths: diarrhoea and pneumonia
(Figure 2), as well as on all-cause mortality [4].

Figure 2: Relative risk of not breastfeeding for infections and mortality compared to exclusive
breastfeeding from 0-5 months

15.13

16

14.4

14
12

Predominant
breastfeeding

10.53

10

Partial
breastfeeding

8
6

4.62

4
2.28
2

Exclusive
breastfeeding

2.49
1.75

Diarrhoea
mortality

Pneumonia
mortality

3.04

3.65

2.85

1 1.26

2.48 2.07
1.79
1.48
1
1

Diarrhoea
incidence

Pneumonia
incidence

Not
breastfeeding

0
All cause
mortality

Source: Lancet 2008 [3].

In addition, evidence for the specific survival benefits of continued breastfeeding from 6 to 23
months points to continued protection against illness such as diarrhea and respiratory infection, with
similar levels observed for both [9].
1

Box 1 summarizes all the main evidence-based benefits for survival and health of the infant . The longterm benefits are summarized in a later section of the document.

A review of the benefits of breastfeeding is contained Quantifying the benefits of breastfeeding Leon-Cava et al 2002 (see
Resources Annex 1-1), although more recent studies are not included.

Box 1: Summary of the scientific rationale of the benefits of breastfeeding

Breastmilk cannot be duplicated by any artificial means [10].Unique in its composition and function,
breastmilk:
Contains an ideal balance of nutrients that the infant can easily digest, along with digestive enzymes.
Changes over time, and even over the course of a day, to meet the changing needs of the growing child [11].
Contains substances essential for optimal development of the infants brain, with effects on both cognitive and
visual function [12].
Supplies growth factors that combine to mature the infant gut [13].
Provides the infant with immune factors manufactured to fight illnesses specific to the mothers and infants
environment [14].
Contains components which are being discovered regularly, such as oligosaccharides (sugars) in which normal
intestinal microflora thrive, coating the lining of the babys digestive system and protecting it [15].
Is especially beneficial for the preterm infant [16], [17]; preterm human milk contains higher concentrations of
immunoglobulins, other anti-infective factors such as lysozyme, lactoferrin and interferon, and more antiinflammatory and immunomodulating components [18], thus providing some protection from infection to these
vulnerable infants. Both fresh and pasteurized human milk help lower rates of infections [19].
Studies consistently demonstrate that public health interventions for improved breastfeeding are
essential for child survival [20]:
A 2006 study in rural Ghana [21] showed that early initiation within the first hours of birth could prevent 22% of
neonatal deaths, and initiation within the first day, 16% of deaths, while a study in Nepal [22] found that
approximately 19.1% and 7.7% of all neo-natal deaths could be avoided with universal initiation of
breastfeeding within the first hour and first day of life respectively
A study in India showed that neonatal and postneonatal deaths were around 5-6 times lower in infants fed
colostrum than among those not fed colostrum [23].
Exclusive breastfeeding up to six months of age and breastfeeding up to 12 months has the single largest
potential impact on reducing child mortality according to the Lancet Child Survival Series [3], while
complementary feeding starting at six months along with continued breastfeeding were ranked # 3 These two
interventions alone were estimated to prevent almost one-fifth of under-five mortality in developing countries.
The 2008 Lancet Nutrition Series [4] also reinforced the significance of optimal IYCF on child survival
The biggest impact is seen in terms of reduction of morbidity and mortality from diarrhea [24], [25] and
pneumonia [26], [27]. Breastfeeding has a protective effect on Haemophilus B, one of the causative agents of
respiratory infections [28], [29].
Breastmilk-fed infants have a reduced incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, [30] urinary tract infections [31],
sepsis [32] asthma [33] and meningitis [34].
Non-breastfed children have a 250% higher risk of being hospitalized for pneumonia or asthma [12].
Breastmilk provides protection against ear infections [35]. Non-breastfed children have a 60% higher risk of
recurrent ear infections [36].
Breastfed children have a lower risk of the two most common inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohns disease,
ulcerative colitis [37], as well as coeliac disease [38]
Breastfeeding facilitates proper jaw and dental [39] and speech [40] development and breastfed children have
been shown to have less tooth decay [41].
Benefits of continued breastfeeding from 12-23 months include continued protection from infection, especially
diarrhea and respiratory infection [42].
Breastfeeding helps prevent growth faltering and stunting, particularly as it reduces the risk of illnesses [43],
[44], [45], [46].
Exclusive breastfeeding at 0-6 months has additional benefits, and is associated with decreased morbidity:
Infectious illness is reduced by exclusive breastfeeding, beyond the impact of breastfeeding alone [9].
Exclusively breastfed infants are 3-4 times less likely to acquire HIV infection through breastmilk of an HIVpositive mother than mixed-fed HIV-exposed infants in the first 6 months [47].
Breastfed children are healthier than non-breastfed children in all contexts including in industrialized
countries:
A large volume on the evidence for the many benefits of breastfeeding in industrialized countries has been
compiled [48]. It shows, for example, a 72% lowered risk for lower respiratory tract infections, 64% for
gastrointestinal tract infections, 50% for otitis media, 42% for asthma, 39% for type II diabetes and 19-27% for
type I, and 27% less risk for obesity.
A study of post-neonatal mortality in the United States found a 21% decreased risk of mortality among breastfed
infants [49].
Studies in industrialized countries confirm the life saving benefits of breastfeeding in preventing sudden infant
death syndrome (SIDS) deaths [50], [51], [52].
Breastfeeding decreases the chance of developing certain childhood cancers, such as leukaemia, with a 30%
lower risk if breastfed for 6 months, [53] and lymphomas [54].

IYCF and child growth

Optimal IYCF is essential for child growth. The period during pregnancy and a childs first two years of
life are considered a critical window of opportunity for prevention of growth faltering. Recent
anthropometric data from low-income countries confirms that the levels of undernutrition increase
markedly from 3 to 18-24 months of age (Figure 3).
Figure 3: The critical window of opportunity to prevent undernutrition
1
0.75
0.5

Z-scores (WHO)

0.25

Weight for age (WAZ)

Weight for length (WHZ)
Height for age (HAZ)

-0.25
-0.5
-0.75
-1

-1.25
-1.5
-1.75
-2
Age (months)
Source: Victora et al, Pediatrics 2010: showing mean anthropometric Z-scores for weight for age, weight for length and height
for age for 54 low and middle income countries, 1994-2007, using WHO standards [9].

The declining trajectory of the curve is particularly steep for the stunting indicator (as indicated by low
height for age). At the same time, vulnerability to wasting (manifestation of acute malnutrition indicated
1
by low weight for height) also occurs during the same period . Acute malnutrition in children is usually
most prevalent among the age group 6-23 months, with 16% of cases occurring in infants less than 6
months old [55], which is consistent with the new analysis of growth patterns among children shown in
Figure 3. Also significant in its declining trajectory is the curve for underweight (as indicated by low
weight for age), which reflects both stunting and wasting, either separately or in combination.
Low birth weight and low height (length) at birth are some of the factors determining growth of the
child later on. Intra-uterine growth of a child is determined by the mothers health and nutritional status
before and during pregnancy. A womans poor nutrition status during pregnancy (especially low BMI
and anaemia [4]) are among the contributing factors to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), along
with pre-term delivery, as well as other maternal health complications [4]. Hence tackling the causes of
IUGR will go certain way to reducing young child undernutrition.
After birth, a childs ability to achieve the standards in growth is determined by the adequacy of
dietary intake (which depends on infant and young child feeding and care practices and food
security), as well as exposure to disease [56]. Undernutrition and infection are intertwined in a
synergistic vicious cycle. Therefore, support to quality child feeding practices (breastfeeding and
complementary feeding) and improvement of household food security, together with disease
prevention and control programmes, are the most effective interventions that can significantly reduce
stunting and acute malnutrition during the first two years of life.

During this period, vulnerability to oedematous malnutrition is also high, as measured by the presence of bilateral pitting
oedema. It is also called kwashiorkor, which means the deposed child.

This window of opportunity to prevent undernutrition is the same period when the recommended
infant and young child feeding practices are applied: exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months,
continued breastfeeding to 2 years or beyond together with adequate, safe, and appropriate
complementary feeding from 6 to 23 months. Therefore, sub-optimal breastfeeding and
complementary feeding practices put children in developing countries at high risk for undernutrition
and its associated outcomes which are far-reaching and difficult to reverse later in life. Many studies
have also shown that the greatest impact for interventions can be seen among children less than two
years of age [57]. Taking full advantage of this window of opportunity, optimal breastfeeding and
complementary feeding practices together can allow children to reach their full growth potential and
prevent irreversible stunting, as well as acute undernutrition.
Breastfeeding impacts growth in several ways, such as through reduction of morbidity due to
infections, stronger immunological response to disease due to transfer of maternal antibodies and
provision of the optimum balance of nutrients, growth factors, enzymes, hormones and other bioactive
factors. For example, reviews of evidence on the effects on child health and growth of exclusive
breastfeeding for six months have presented lower morbidity from gastrointestinal and allergic
diseases, which in turn can prevent growth faltering due to such illnesses [58].
Breastmilk alone is enough to meet all the nutritional needs of infants for the first six months of life.
After six months of age, to meet all of a childs nutritional requirements breastmilk needs to be
complemented by other foods, although it continues to be an important source of nutrients as well as
impacting disease morbidity and mortality [3]. At this age children have high nutritional needs for rapid
growth, and appropriate complementary feeding provides key nutrients (e.g. iron and other
micronutrients, essential fatty acids, protein, energy, etc.). Inadequate complementary feeding lacking
in quality and quantity can restrict growth and jeopardize child survival and development.
IYCF and child development
The period from birth to about 36 months is a critical period in early childhood development for
stimulating positive cognitive development, particularly in settings where ill health and undernutrition
are common [59]. Furthermore, a recent Lancet series on Child Development [60] recognized tackling
stunting and iron deficiency as two of the four most effective early childhood development
interventions, along with addressing iodine deficiency and cognitive stimulation (Figure 4). Thus, by
reducing stunting and iron deficiency, optimal infant and young child feeding can have a significant
effect on child development.
In addition, breastfeeding and responsive feeding provide constant positive interactions between
mother and child which can contribute to emotional and psychological development of infants. There is
also strong evidence of higher performance in intelligence tests among those subjects who had been
1
breastfed as infants [61].

Effect size (SD units)

Figure 4: Developmental risk factors with sufficient evidence to recommend intervention

1
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0

Source: Based on Lancet Child Development Series 2007 [5].

The mean difference in intelligence scores is 4.9; (95% CI: 2.976.92)

Long-term benefits of optimal IYCF for the child

Optimal IYCF ensures a child is protected from both under- and over-nutrition and their consequences
later in life. An analysis of several studies has shown that breastfeeding may have a protective effect
on the prevalence of obesity and is a cost-effective obesity intervention [62], [63].
In addition to protecting against obesity, breastfed infants have a lowered risk of several chronic
conditions later in life compared to artificially-fed infants, including asthma, diabetes [64], heart disease
[65], [66] and cardiac risk factors such as hypertension [67] and high cholesterol levels [68], as well as
cancers such as childhood leukaemia [69] and breast cancer later in life [70].
The strong relationship between quality of diet and obesity indicates that appropriate complementary
feeding with diverse, nutrient rich foods, can be protective against overweight and obesity. For
1
countries undergoing nutrition transition and facing double burden of malnutrition (both under and
over-nutrition), optimal IYCF and early intervention are even more critical to ensure that investments
are
targeting
children
under
two
years
to
avoid
risk
of
becoming
both
stunted and obese.
For infants who already have inadequate growth, rapid catch-up weight gain in the first two years is
important for preventing long-term undernutrition and achieving decreases in morbidity and mortality. If
a child does not get the opportunity to catch up before the age of two, rapid weight gain in later stages
of childhood is not desirable as it significantly increases the risk of chronic disease. For chronic
diseases such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, a worst-case scenario is a baby of low birth
weight, who is stunted and underweight in infancy and gains weight rapidly in childhood and adult life,
becoming overweight [71].
Benefits of breastfeeding for the mother
Breastfeeding also has a number of benefits for maternal health. Initiation of breastfeeding
immediately after delivery helps to contract the uterus, expel the placenta, and reduce bleeding.
Breastfeeding may also lead to a more rapid return to pre-pregnancy weight. Exclusive breastfeeding
may delay the return of fertility, thus reducing exposure to the risks associated with short birth
intervals. In the longer term, mothers who breastfeed, especially for a longer duration, tend to be at
lower risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
Box 2: Benefits of breastfeeding for mothers

Women who have breastfed are less likely to develop ovarian and premenopausal breast cancers [72], [73],
[74]. The increased risk of not breastfeeding is 39% for maternal breast cancer and 26% for ovarian cancer.
The more months a woman has spent breastfeeding, the greater the beneficial effect.
Breastfeeding reduces osteoporosis [75], [76].
Breastfeeding mothers enjoy a quicker recovery after childbirth, with quicker expelling of the placenta and
reduced risk of postpartum bleeding [77].
Breastfeeding helps decrease insulin requirements in diabetic mothers, and breastfeeding mothers have a
14% lower risk of maternal type 2 diabetes [78].
Mothers who breastfeed are more likely to return to their pre-pregnancy weight than mothers who formula
feed [79].
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months postpartum, in the absence of menses, is 98 per cent effective
in preventing pregnancy The delayed return of the menstrual cycle for 20 to 30 weeks may also reduce the
risk of anaemia [77].
Breastfeeding mothers are reported to be more confident, calm and less anxious than bottle-feeding mothers
[80]. Breastfeeding contributes to feelings of attachment between a mother and her child.

Economic benefits
Sub-optimum infant feeding is a determinant of stunting. At the same time, stunting is not only a
significant contributor to child mortality and development, but also to future productivity and
economic development. Prevention of stunting can prevent future productivity losses [81]. It has
1

Nutrition transition is an epidemiological phenomenon related to increased prevalence of overweight in middle-to-low-income

countries, due to the changes in traditional diets, with increased consumption of foods high in sugars, calories, and fats and
increased use of processed foods.

been shown that body size at two years of age is clearly associated with future enhanced human
capital [82]. The importance of improving the quality of diets of children for future economic
development and productivity of a nation has been recognized to be as high as broader economic
policy approaches such as trade liberalization [83]. For example, improved complementary feeding
interventions can go as far as having a significant effect on adult wages one programme for example
had a 46% increase in average wages as adults (although only significant for men, probably due to
lack of womens engagement in paid jobs in the context of that study) [84].
The economic benefits of breastfeeding are also important to highlight. A lack of breastfeeding or poor
breastfeeding practices lead to high health care costs for the household and the health services due to
increased child morbidity, as well as the health care costs to deal with consequences of not
breastfeeding, including long term consequences related to obesity and chronic diseases. The much
higher mortality associated with not breastfeeding also represents a drain on countrys economies.
When infant illness due to lack of breastfeeding requires mothers to miss work, households, employers
and the economy are all affected. A lack of breastfeeding also impacts human capital development. In
addition, artificial feeding leads to additional expenditure and workload for households.
The following graphics are used to summarize the benefits of optimal infant feeding and the risks of
artificial feeding during training sessions on infant feeding counselling.
Figure 5: Benefits of breastfeeding an example from a training slide

Figure 6: Risks of artificial feeding an example from a training slide

Adapted from: WHO/UNICEF Integrated IYCF counseling course, 2007.

Figure 7: Benefits of complementary feeding a suggested example for a training slide

Benefits of optimal complementary feeding

(timely, adequate, appropriate and safe)
Optimal growth

Less likely to die

Prevention of
stunting and acute
malnutrition

Less diarrhoea and

respiratory
infections

Prevention of
overweight/obesity

Improved
cognitive
development

Less risk of anemia

Better
psychosocial
development

1.3

Improved
productivity and
economic status

Less risk of zinc and other

micronutrient deficiencies

Summary of global situation

Over the past two decades significant progress has been achieved in IYCF policies, practices and
programmes. The following summary highlights these achievements as well as the areas in which little
progress has been made.
Global progress on breastfeeding
Key breastfeeding indicators which are important to monitor include early initiation of breastfeeding
(within the first hour), exclusive breastfeeding among children less than six months and continued
breastfeeding after six months (at 12-15 months and 20-23 months).
The global rate of early initiation of breastfeeding remains below 40 per cent (Figure 8).
Figure 8: Percentage of infants benefited from early initiation of breastfeeding
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

59
48

47

47

46
36
27

31

39

Source: UNICEF database 2010.

Between around 1996 and 2008, the rates of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life
in 86 developing countries with available trend data have increased only slightly, from 33 to 38 per

10

cent (Figure 9). However, this trend data also shows that breastfeeding is increasing in two-thirds of
these nations.
Figure 9: Infants less than six months exclusively breastfed (%)
%
50

46

45

40

39

37

30

38

38

34

32

30

29

around
1995

42

41

33

around
2008

27

27
24

20

15
11

10

Source: UNICEF database 2011. * Excludes China.

While global data indicate very slow progress in improving the overall exclusive breastfeeding
situation, countries that have shown strong commitment and invested heavily in IYCF show significant
progress (Figure 10). Since around 1996, exclusive breastfeeding rates increased more than 20
percentage points on average in these 20 countries, with several countries exhibiting remarkable
increases of almost 60 percentage points. These countries have demonstrated unequivocally that it is
possible to change infant feeding practices. This is an important advocacy point, particularly to counter
the common perception that feeding practices are cultural and cannot be modified.
Figure 10: 20 countries with increases in exclusive breastfeeding > 20 percentage points
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

baseline
76
61

32
23

34

37

38

39

40

47

48

48

11

16
6

52

10

11

11

most
recent
data

33
16

10

70

54

31

26
12

33

43

63

66

19
7

12

17

Source: UNICEF database 2011. The baseline is considered to be between 1993-2000, except for East Timor, where the
baseline is 2003 and Peru, where it is 1992.

Factors for success include the large-scale implementation of comprehensive programmes to promote,
support and protect breastfeeding with strong government leadership and broad partnerships. Such
programmes involve action at national level, including national policies, strategies and plans to
implement the main operational targets of the WHO/UNICEF Global Strategy for Infant and Young

11

Child Feeding (2003) (Resources

Annex 1-1) including the adoption of
national legislation on the marketing of
1
breastmilk substitutes and maternity
protection for mothers who work outside
of the home, ensuring that maternity
2
facilities are baby-friendly , providing
skilled support by health providers and
community workers, and supporting
mother
support
groups
in
the
community. The actions also involved
effective and targeted communication
strategies to promote breastfeeding,
using multiple channels and messages
tailored to the local context and the
specific barriers to breastfeeding.

Box 3: Reviews have shown that success on

breastfeeding can be achieved by:

Implementing a complete package of interventions

(comprehensive, relevant, evidence-based package,
based on assessment of needs and situation)
Designing effective strategies and ensuring quality
implementation (applying best practices, using
appropriate strategies, providing appropriate training &
supervision)
Working at all levels (national, health system,
community, communication)
Achieving universal coverage (vision and planning for
national scale and ensuring equity)
Ensuring continuity (sustained, ongoing
implementation, fully institutionalized)

Some encouraging facts are the percentages of children still breastfeeding at 12-15 months in
developing countries (73 per cent) and at 20-23 months (56 per cent). This rises to 90 per cent and 68
3
per cent respectively in least developed countries , where infants and young children face the greatest
threats to survival.
On the other hand, it is important to highlight the missed opportunities along the continuum of care
(Figure 11), where it can be observed that provided health care did not necessarily support relevant
feeding practices: while the coverage of ante-natal care in developing countries is 79 per cent and the
coverage of deliveries assisted by a skilled attendant is 64 per cent, a dramatic difference is seen in
terms of early initiation of breastfeeding, where coverage is only 44 per cent. Similarly, while the
coverage with three doses of DPT immunization, which is usually attained around 3-5 months, is 81
per cent, exclusive breastfeeding among children less than six months is only 36 per cent.
Figure 11: Missed opportunities along the continuum of care
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

81

79
64
44

36

Ante natal care with Skilled attendant at Early initiation of BF DPT 3 coverage %
skilled professional
delivery %
%
%

Pregnancy

Birth

Exclusive BF %

Early childhood (0-5m)

Source: SOWC 2011

Global progress on complementary feeding and stunting

The picture for the global progress on complementary feeding is less clear. New set of indicators

85

for

As of April 2011, 84 countries have enacted legislation implementing all or many of the provisions of the Code and subsequent
relevant World Health Assembly resolutions, 19 countries have incorporated at least some of the provisions of the Code into
their national legal systems, and 14 countries have draft laws awaiting adoption.
2
In 2010, over 21,000 maternity facilities worldwide had been designated baby-friendly (M.Labbok/WABA) however this data is
incomplete and not updated for all countries.
3
UNICEF database 2010.

12

global assessment and trend analysis of the 10 guiding principles of complementary feeding [86] have
only recently been finalized by WHO, UNICEF and counterparts, and need to be operationalized by
countries. However, available data on the global situation of complementary feeding [87] provide some
insight to the extent of the problem. According to the State of the Worlds Children 2010, only 58 per
cent of breastfed children between the ages of six and nine months in developing countries had
received any complementary foods in the past 24 hours.
Following the release of the new indicators, several countries have started reporting on a full set of
indicators on complementary feeding, including the new indicator: dietary diversity and the composite
indicator minimum acceptable diet (see Chapter 2.2 more explanation on the indicators). Recent
country surveys show that complementary feeding practices are far from acceptable (Figure 12). While
timely introduction of complementary foods (at 6-8 months) is a common practice in many countries,
the quality of the diet is poor. In India, country with the highest number of stunted children, only 54.5
1
per cent of children between the ages of six and eight months had received any complementary foods
in the previous day, and only 7 per cent of breastfed children between ages of 6-23 months met the

minimum acceptable diet criteria. In Nigeria, a country with the third highest burden of stunting, only
21 per cent of breastfed children receive the minimum acceptable complementary feeding diet.
Similarly, Ethiopias 2005 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data show that only 2.9 per cent of
children 6-23 months of age have a minimum acceptable diet. These outcomes strongly support the
need for improvement on complementary feeding practices.
Figure 12: Status of complementary feeding in selected countries with data on minimum
acceptable diet (breastfed children 6-23 m), & introduction of complementary foods (6-8m old,
BF & non BF children)
100.0
90.0

81.4

80.0

introduction of compl. foods %

minimum acceptable diet %
90.7
87.3
82.9
82.5
80.9
80.6
68.1

70.0

69.3

46.0

50.0
40.0

61.6 60.5

54.5

60.0
36.1

30.0

43.4

37.8

33.6

29.9

21.7 22.9

29.5
21.6

20.6

20.0
10.0

6.0

3.6

2.9

7.1

6.7

9.3
3.1

0.0

Source: DHS, most recent survey for each country, from 2002-2008

In addition to the data on feeding practices, analysis of trends in stunting can further inform us about
the quality of feeding practices in infants and young children. In the developing world, stunting rates
have declined slowly, from 40 per cent to 29 per cent between 1990 and 2008, but in some regions
and countries there has not been significant progress. Figure 13 shows that despite progress in some
regions (e.g. CEE/CIS, East Asia and Pacific), the statistics are alarming. Sub-Saharan Africa has
made almost no progress in the 10 year period between 1996 and 2008, and the progress has been
slow in some other regions. Vital opportunities to save millions of lives are being lost, and many more
children are not growing and thriving the way they should.
In 2009, 195 million children under five years of age in developing countries were estimated to be
stunted. Most of these children live in just 24 high-burden countries. On the other hand, 129 million
children are underweight and an estimated 26 million are severely wasted [88].
1

The new indicator for introduction of complementary foods includes the age group of 6-8 months and breastfed and nonbreastfed children, as compared to the old indicator which included 6-9 months and only breastfed children,

13

Figure 13: Percentage of stunted children under the age of 5 yrs, by region
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

circa
1990
54
42

47
39

3734

40
29

35
2423
15

22
14

circa
2008

20
12

Source: UNICEF Global database (2010)

1.4

The policy bases for IYCF

Global IYCF targets, as well as policies and strategies have informed the emphasis that is accorded to
IYCF in UNICEFs and other development partner strategies and programs. These include:

1990 Innocenti Declaration on the Protection, Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding [89].

1990 Convention on the Rights of the Child [90] (Article 24) which states that governments
must combat disease and malnutrition, through, inter alia, the provision of adequate nutritious
foods and ensure that all sectors of society are informed, have access to education and are
supported in the use of basic knowledge of child health and nutrition, including the advantages of
breastfeeding :
CRC Article 24 (e):
To ensure that all segments of society, in particular parents and children,
are informed, have access to education and are supported in the use of
basic knowledge of child health and nutrition, the advantages of breastfeeding,
hygiene and environmental sanitation and the prevention of accidents;

2000 Millennium Declaration [91] establishing health and development goals and targets
(Millennium Development Goals) for 2015.

2002 World Fit for Children [92] which clearly states to reduce child under-nutrition among
children less than five years of age by at least one third, with special attention to children under
two years of age and to protect, promote and support exclusive breastfeeding for six months and
continued breastfeeding with safe, appropriate and adequate complementary feeding up to two
years of age and beyond.

WHO/UNICEF Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding (2003), adopted by
UNICEFs Executive Board and the World Health Assembly [1].

2005 Innocenti Declaration on Infant and Young Child Feeding [93] which celebrates the 15
Anniversary of the 1990 Declaration [94], commits urgent actions, and sets concrete targets.

th

14

1.5

Summary of the evidence on effective of interventions

Scientific evidence has been gathered on the effectiveness of a number of interventions to improve
breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices. These include:
Interventions to improve breastfeeding practices and to promote breastfeeding:

Maternity care practices: Institutional changes in maternity care practices have been shown to
effectively increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates [95,96,97].

Professional support: professional counselors shown to be most effective in extending the

duration of any breastfeeding [98].

Lay and peer support: Lay counselors shown to be most effective in increasing the initiation and
duration of exclusive breastfeeding [99].

Community-based breastfeeding promotion and support: Various types of community-based

breastfeeding promotion and support can improve breastfeeding practices in developing countries,
according to studies in developing countries [100].

Media and social marketing: Media campaigns have been shown to improve attitudes towards
breastfeeding and increase initiation rates [101]. Social marketing has been established as an
effective behavioural change model for a wide variety of public health issues, including
breastfeeding [102].

Support for breastfeeding in the workplace: Evidence from industrialized countries has shown
how workplace support programmes increase the duration of breastfeeding [103].

Interventions to improve complementary feeding of young children

A systematic review identified a number of effective interventions to improve complementary feeding
practices [104]. The interventions of note include the following:

Nutrition education improves caregiver practices through the following strategies [105,106]:
Provision of information about local foods, industrially-processed complementary foods, and inhome fortification of foods to caregivers.
Promotion of appropriate feeding behaviours (see Guiding Principles for Complementary
Feeding of the Breastfed Child (PAHO/WHO 2003) (Resources Annex 1-2).
Use of multiple channels to educate and counsel caregivers (from communication through mass
media to individual counselling).

Use of high-quality locally-available foods improves complementary feeding through:

Combining locally available low-cost foods to create adequate complementary foods (for
example by using linear-programming) [107].
Employing traditional processes to improve the adequacy of plant-based complementary foods
(i.e. germination, soaking, fermentation) or to increase energy density (e.g. adding amylase to
foods) [108].
Including animal source foods (ASF) to improve the quality of the diet [109].
Promoting home gardening, animal husbandry, and poultry production to increase the availability
of high-quality foods at the household level.

Use of supplements (such as vitamin-mineral powders, and lipid-based nutrient supplements)

improves nutrient quality of complementary foods [110,111].

Use of fortified complementary foods improves complementary feeding through ensuring

availability of quality complementary foods, locally or industrially processed, and promoting
consumption [112].

15

Use of a blended complementary food together with multi-micronutrient powders and

counselling on complementary feeding practices improved growth more than provision of the
food alone [113].

Special support to food insecure populations improves diets of young children [114]
through:
Social schemes, economic models to ensure access to complementary foods.
Distribution of micronutrients and other micronutrient-rich products.
1
Distribution of fortified complementary foods to families in need .
Social protection schemes which link provision of counselling and education with in-kind
supplements or vouchers for specific products. These schemes have been implemented in a
number of Latin American countries, mostly with positive outcomes in terms of reducing rates of
stunting [115], [116].

Aid can be targeted to children with poor nutritional status, to the poorest families in a community, or to all families within the
poorest communities

16

2. NATIONAL LEVEL STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR IYCF

National planning for IYCF is organized around seven core processes for development, planning and
implementation of a comprehensive national IYCF strategy, as shown below and in Figure 14.

Development, planning and implementation of national IYCF strategy

2.1 Advocacy, partnership and coordination
2.2 Situation assessment
2.3 Developing national IYCF policy
2.4 Developing a comprehensive IYCF strategy; identifying and prioritizing IYCF interventions
2.5 Using additional opportunities for integration
2.6 Developing national and sub-national plans of action and mobilizing resources
2.7 Implementing, monitoring, reviewing and evaluating

National level strategic planning includes the process of situation analysis, development of policies,
systems, strategies and plans and their monitoring, review and evaluation, with relevant oversight and
coordination. Figure 14 depicts the strategic planning process in a graphic manner:
Figure 14: Core processes in development, planning and implementation of a comprehensive
approach to improving IYCF

IMPLEMENATION and
MONITORING;
REVIEW and EVALUATION
PLANNING,
mobilization of
resources
Additional
Opportunities for
INTEGRATION

IYCF strategic
planning and
implementation

IYCF STRATEGY

ADVOCACY,
COORDINATION,
PARTNERSHIP

SITUATION
ANALYSIS

POLICY

Countries have different starting points and are at different stages in the evolution of their IYCF
programmes. For example, much of the required information for the situation analysis may already
exist, a policy may be in place or a strategy has been developed, and these existing documents may
merely need to be reviewed and updated and gaps filled. On the other hand, a country should not wait
until the updated policy is endorsed or all the research is completed before initiating development of
action plans.
Thus these processes are not necessarily followed in a rigid and sequential step-wise manner
in all contexts; this will depend on the results of the situation assessment, whether comprehensive
policies, strategies and plans exist, the maturity of programmes, the experiences and results of
implementation, etc.

17

2.1. Advocacy, partnerships and coordination

Development, planning and implementation of national IYCF strategy
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7

Advocacy, partnerships and coordination

Situation assessment
Developing national IYCF policy
Developing a comprehensive IYCF strategy; identifying and prioritizing IYCF interventions
Using additional opportunities for integration
Developing national and sub-national plans of action and mobilizing resources
Implementing, monitoring, reviewing and evaluating

2.1.1 Advocacy and partnerships

Policy-makers and influential partners in IYCF will be identified as part of the process to translate the
Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding (2003) (Resources Annex 1-1) into a national
strategy and action plan. Obviously in many countries IYCF is not a new programme, but in many
cases its scope and scale are not commensurate with the needs and its potential for impact. The
advocacy will need to address the particular gaps, bottlenecks and issues. Thus the policy makers and
other key stakeholders will need tailored evidence-based information about the role of IYCF in child
survival and growth, effective IYCF interventions including new components.
Optimal maternal nutrition and infant and young child feeding is a cross-cutting area that reaches
beyond health and nutrition alone, involving a wide range of sectors such as agriculture & food
security, legislative bodies, consumer protection, education, gender and womens affairs. Therefore,
the awareness and knowledge of policy makers and key stakeholders should be increased to
effectively integrate the comprehensive national IYCF plan into the health, nutrition sector, social
protection and other relevant sectors according to the situation. Advocacy also aims to motivate them
to take action and commit resources, and should therefore have clear action objectives, using relevant
tools according to the situation.
Advocacy is not a one-time action: it needs to be ongoing, and at multiple levels. Suggested actions
include:

Planning the advocacy component: Planning for advocacy needs to consider which objectives
are targeted, who the audience will be and which approaches and methods will be most
appropriate to apply. The advocacy should address major bottlenecks or required shifts in existing
policies and programme components as well as the introduction of new components.

Choosing advocacy targets or spokespersons: a review of key stakeholders who have a role to
play in the IYCF programme and who might be influenced by advocacy - e.g. health, social welfare
and agriculture systems to develop and implement respective components of the IYCF strategy,
the Attorney Generals office to review and change laws and regulations on the marketing of
breastmilk substitutes and maternity protection, legislators of labour policies and practices and
employers to ensure mother-baby friendly workplaces, training department and medical/nursing
school officials to incorporate or update the IYCF curriculum, local hospital administrators to
implement the Ten Steps, local government officials for resource allocation, etc. Other
stakeholders may also be chosen to become spokespersons and deliver advocacy messages.

Orientation or sensitization events to ensure that policy-makers recognize the importance of

nutrition and clearly understand the principles of appropriate infant and young child feeding.

Dissemination of latest evidence on importance of focus on IYCF in order to improve child

survival, growth and development, on the importance of early interventions during the window of
1
opportunity . The advocacy should address the need to intervene both on breastfeeding and

For example, the recent Lancet series on maternal and child undernutrition (January 2008), Lancet series on child
development (January 2007)

18

complementary feeding, the latter having generally received much less attention. The evidence,
including the most recent Lancet series on child survival, nutrition, and others (see chapter 1), are
a rich source of advocacy materials. The science on the potential impact of IYCF interventions
needs to be complemented by evidence on what works to achieve this impact i.e. intervention
research such as the studies referenced in section 1.5, as well as lessons learned from
programme reviews and evaluations.

Dissemination of key IYCF policy and technical documents (e.g. amongst others, the national
IYCF policy, Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding (2003), Guiding Principles
for Complementary Feeding of the Breastfed Child (2003), Guidelines on HIV and Infant
Feeding (2010), Operational Guidance on Infant Feeding in Emergencies (2007), as well as
the principle scientific references which provide the evidence base for IYCF impact and
interventions) among the appropriate government representatives, international organizations,
NGOs, and other potential in-country partners (i.e. private industry, civic groups etc.) working in
the health and nutrition sector and other related sectors (e.g. agriculture, social protection).

Strategic partnerships should be pursued between not only within different sectors of national
governments, but also with UN agencies, national and international non-government organizations
(NGOs), donors and private sector partners taking into account their different mandates and agendas.
Their common aim would be to increase synergy to protect, promote and support IYCF as an essential
contributor to young child survival, growth, and development goals. The advocacy plan should include
reaching all relevant partners to gain the commitment for IYCF and ensure it receives greater
attention.

2.1.2 Coordination
It is important that IYCF is effectively managed and coordinated and is featured prominently on the
agenda of the Government and partners at all levels. A country may decide to have a dedicated
national coordination forum for IYCF, or include IYCF in the broader nutrition coordination mechanism.
Whether IYCF is coordinated through a dedicated body, a sub-group of health or nutrition coordination
mechanism or as a major area of work within a single health or nutrition coordinating body, the
national coordination structure plays a triple role to: 1) strategize and plan, 2) oversee implementation,
and 3) monitor and evaluate. It has the authority and responsibility to ensure achievement of stated
IYCF goals, by setting targets for the key IYCF outcomes based on international standards but tailored
to the local situation. The national coordinating structure also maximizes synergies between partners
to avoid duplication of services, ensure harmonized messages, curricula and materials, gains buy-in
and commitments from all key stakeholders to the objectives of the IYCF action plan, ensures
maximum coverage among partners and programmes, and supports and encourages cooperation and
collaboration.
Specifically, the national coordination structure will:
Ensure that the national IYCF policy, programme/strategy and plan of actions are developed,

19

agreed upon and disseminated to all relevant stakeholders and that there is wide adoption and
application of the strategy.

Oversee legislation to protect optimal infant feeding, such as the on the marketing of breastmilk
substitutes and maternity protection

Oversee standards for health worker education and training, such as infant feeding curricula for in
service and pre-service training

Ensure that actions to improve breastfeeding practices in maternity facilities, including the BFHI,
are fully institutionalized within the national health system, including in private hospitals, and will
advocate for the implementation and monitoring of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding to
become a mandatory part of the standard operating and supervision procedures for hospitals and
integral to the accreditation of facilities, including private ones.

Provide oversight and coordination of community-based IYCF activities, to ensure high coverage,
a harmonized approach and effective monitoring

Oversee the implementation of the national communication strategy and plan

Ensure the integration of relevant IYCF actions such as IYCF counselling and support and training
into related health (e.g. maternal and newborn care, PMTCT, CCM, C-IMCI, CMAM) or social
programmes (e.g. Early Child Development, cash transfer or other social protection schemes, food
security programmes, etc.)

Ensure effective routine monitoring of IYCF activities at all levels, analysis of programmatic data
on breastfeeding and complementary feeding and appropriate evaluation activities.

Within the national body, there will be a need for smaller sub-groups to work on specific issues, for
example for a communication sub-group and a complementary feeding sub-group. Both of these areas
will require the participation of technical specialists in the respective fields and may involve
participation from several other sectors.
The national body will develop a multi-year plan of action and will meet regularly to assess progress
against each goal, as well as to assess progress on agreed objectives. To perform its functions, the
national body should be an integral part of the government system, with funding provided and mandate
approved by the national government. The national body should be independent and free from
commercial influence of commercial enterprises or industry NGOs and foundations, as there is a
potential conflict of interest.
It is also important to assure effective coordination at sub-national level, especially in large countries.
Appropriate existing nutrition/health coordination fora at sub-national level need to be identified to
reflect IYCF prominently on their agendas, or a dedicated IYCF coordination forum could be
established.
To adopt a comprehensive approach to IYCF, the group may need to be broadened from the
traditional partners supporting breastfeeding programmes. The Government can work through the
health and social protection systems promoting use of high-quality complementary foods, advocating
appropriate feeding practices, and providing aid to families in need, while international organizations
and NGOs can help fill in the gaps left by government services. At the same time, private industry will
be particularly important in bringing high-quality inexpensive fortified complementary foods and food
supplement products to the market.

20

2.2. Situation assessment

Development, planning and implementation of national IYCF strategy
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7

Advocacy, partnerships and coordination

Situation assessment
Developing national IYCF policy
Developing a comprehensive IYCF strategy; identifying and prioritizing IYCF interventions
Using additional opportunities for integration
Developing national and sub-national plans of action and mobilizing resources
Implementing, monitoring, reviewing, and evaluating

Introduction
Different stages of IYCF programming may be found in different countries, with some already having a
comprehensive policy basis and programme and others with minimal progress. A policy and strategy
basis for breastfeeding and actions at various levels is already underway in many cases, but very few
countries have conducted a comprehensive situation assessment of complementary feeding or have
relevant policies and strategies. In some cases formative research is needed. Further, there may be
detailed information available on health service activities, but limited information on community-based
activities or barriers to IYCF, and on the communication environment at different levels. Therefore, it is
important to complete a situation assessment tailored to the local context and fill in the country-specific
information gaps.
The situation assessment should include primary IYCF data (feeding practice indicators) and the
implementation status of IYCF programmes with relevant outcomes, as well as document successful
interventions and failures, to ensure that all lessons learned are taken into consideration for the
development of new strategies and action plans. It should include participatory assessments with
communities if possible (see Section 2.3 Community-based IYCF actions) and formative research on
knowledge, attitudes and practices.
The situation assessment should also take account of gender issues. Addressing gender inequalities
should make nutrition programmes more effective overall and thus improve the nutrition prospects for
both girls and boys. (See also Operational Guidance (Resources Annex 1-1) on gender analysis and
programming with specific details on infant and young child feeding issues). Globally, there are no
gender differences in stunting and underweight rates and no differences in breastfeeding rates [117].
However, in some areas there are gender differences in stunting rates [118,119]. Various barriers to
optimal infant and young child feeding may also have gender dimensions that need to be analyzed and
addressed. For example, the low social status of women is considered to be one of the primary
determinants of undernutrition across the life cycle [120]. In addition, an analysis of survey data from
17 developing countries confirms a positive association between maternal education and nutritional
status in children 323 months old, although a large part of these associations is the result of
educations strong link to household economics [121]. These aspects need to be included in the
situation assessment for a comprehensive picture.

2.2.1 Completing assessment matrix

1

Completing the Assessment Matrix (Resources Annex 1-1) will provide a comprehensive overview
of the scope and scale of IYCF programming and implementation status in the country. The most
useful outcome of this exercise is to identify gaps in information, policies and programmes to inform
further development of the IYCF strategy and national plan. It will also assist in summarizing major
activities that have already taken place in the country and planning their scale-up, as well as enable
leveraging of resources for those districts that have been poorly supported. The matrix can also be
used for periodic updates of progress.

The assessment matrix was developed by UNICEF/HQ in 2008-2009 to obtain a comprehensive picture of the scope and scale
of IYCF programmes. Some 65 countries have completed it as of May 2011.

21

2.2.2. Obtaining baseline of practices using the updated IYCF indicators

It is recommended to use the recently revised Indicators for Assessing Infant and Young Child
1
Feeding Practices (2008) (Resources Annex 1-4) for measuring feeding of children at 0-24 months .
These indicators include core and optional indicators which allow assessment of the situation
regarding both breastfeeding and complementary feeding problems (see Figure 15).

Figure 15: Updated IYCF indicators (2008)

8 Core Indicators:
1.
Early initiation of breastfeeding
2.
Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months
3.
Continued breastfeeding at 1 year
4.
Introduction of solid, semi-solid or soft foods
5.
Minimum dietary diversity
6.
Minimum meal frequency
7.
Minimum acceptable diet
8.
Consumption of iron-rich or iron-fortified foods
7 Optional Indicators:
1.
Children ever breastfed
2.
Continued breastfeeding at 2 years
3.
Age-appropriate breastfeeding
4.
Predominant breastfeeding under 6 months
5.
Duration of breastfeeding
6.
Bottle-feeding
7.
Milk feeding frequency for non-breastfed children

Definitions of core indicators

It should be noted that the full set of these indicators should be taken into account for programmatic
purpose. Looking at one without the others can provide an incomplete and at times misleading picture.
For example, in a country one may see a very high rate of timely introduction and adequate frequency
of feeding, but diversity of foods is quite limited (children are receiving monotonous, mainly staple with
low content of vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients).

Breastfeeding
1. Early initiation of breastfeeding: Proportion of children born in the last 24 months who were
put to the breast within one hour of birth.
This indicator was not a core indicator in the previous set IYCF core indicators (1991) [122]. Its
importance is emphasized by including it in the set of core indicators, especially given the recent
evidence regarding its impact on neo-natal mortality. This indicator is based on historic recall for all
children (living and deceased) born in the previous 24 months.

Part I of the IYCF Indicators series gives the definitions of the indicators, while Part II Provides tools for collection and
calculation of the indicators, primarily for use by large-scale surveys. It covers topics specific to data collection such as: a) An
example questionnaire; b) Example interviewer instructions; c) Suggestions for adapting the questionnaire to the survey context;
d) Instructions for calculating indicator values
2
The core IYCF indicators, with the exception of early initiation of breastfeeding, are based on feeding recall of the previous day
for children in the specified age group.

22

2. Exclusive breastfeeding: Proportion of infants aged 0-5 months who are fed exclusively
with breastmilk.
It is reiterated that the exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) indicator is a current status indicator derived
from 24-hour recall of how the child was fed. The data collected represents a cross-section of children
in the age-range 0-5 months. It does not represent the proportion of infants who are exclusively
breastfed throughout the period from birth to just under 6 months, nor does it represent the proportion
of infants aged exactly 6 months who were exclusively breastfed during the previous day. The criteria
for the indicator allow for the child to receive ORS, which was not the case in previous definitions.
In developing the revised set of indicators, it was agreed globally that the current status indicator
represents the best option for capturing EBF. Recall based on any other period or other questions is
not valid and cannot be included as a data point in survey reports. However, some national surveys
still ask about EBF in a non-standard way, which invalidates the results. Non-standard questions about
exclusive breastfeeding in surveys include for example:

asking a mother if she exclusively breastfed her child

how long did she exclusively breastfeed

3. Continued breastfeeding: proportion of infants aged 12-15 months who are fed breastmilk.
The importance of this indicator is emphasized by its inclusion in the list of core indicators, and is
linked to evidence on the impact of continued breastfeeding at least to one year, for example in the
Lancet Child Survival series. Previously, continued breastfeeding was commonly reflected using the
optional indicator continued breastfeeding at 2 years.
Complementary feeding
In the previous version of the IYCF Indicators (WHO 1991) [123], there was only one indicator
reflecting complementary feeding timely complementary feeding (proportion of children aged 6-9
months who received breastmilk and complementary foods). This indicator provided information about
whether complementary foods were consumed during the past 24 hours in the 6-9 months age group,
and covered only breastfed children. The wide age range and lack of information on non-breastfed
children made the applications of this indicator quite limited. In addition, lack of information on other
important aspects of feeding such as the quality of the diet as dietary diversity created a major
programmatic obstacle.
In the 2008 new set of IYCF Indicators, the indicator has been revised to reflect the age range of 6-8
months and to include both breastfed and non-breastfed children, to be better reflective of the overall
situation of introduction of complementary foods in a population:
4. Introduction of complementary foods: proportion of infants aged 6-8 months who receive
solid, semi-solid or soft foods.
In addition, three new globally agreed indicators for complementary feeding are now available. These
indicators better reflect the quality and quantity of food given to children aged 6-23 months, and
include the following indicators:
5. Minimum dietary diversity: Proportion of children 6-23 months of age who receive foods
from 4 or more food groups*.
*The 7 food groups include the following:
1. Grains, roots and tubers
2. Legumes and nuts
3. Dairy products (milk, yoghurt, cheese)
4. Flesh foods (meat, fish, poultry, and liver/organ meats)
5. Eggs
6. Vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables
7. Other fruits and vegetables

23

The 7 food groups have been identified based on research showing the critical importance of each in
the complementary feeding diet, and they may be different from the food groups historically used in
countries or in surveys. For example, eggs count as a separate food group rather than being
categorized together with the other animal-source foods.
The information for the diversity indicator is collected using a 17-item question (see Measurement
Guide, p. 9) [123], which is then combined into the 7 main food groups.
The new set of adopted indicators contains a new composite indicator on measuring the quality and
quantity of complementary feeding, called the minimum acceptable diet. This indicator is a
composite based on the indicators on minimum meal frequency and minimum dietary diversity
(below).
6. Minimum meal frequency : Proportion of breastfed and non-breastfed children 6-23
months of age who receive solid, semi-solid, or soft foods (but also including milk feeds for
non-breastfed children) the minimum number of times or more: 2 for 6-8 mo., 3 for 9-23 mo., 4
for 6-23 mo. (if not BF).
Previously, household surveys such as the DHS and MICS measured complementary feeding
frequency, but limited to breastfed children aged 6-23 months. The new indicator allows measuring it
for all children, and assessing the frequency based on recommended levels at different age groups.
7. The new minimum acceptable diet: Proportion of children 6-23 months of age who had
both minimum meal frequency and dietary diversity (in both BF and non-BF children).
This is a composite indicator which reflects both quality of diet and frequency of complementary
feeding. While information on feeding frequency and diversity was already being collected through
certain household surveys such as the DHS, these indicators have not been reported universally as a
standard set of indicators. The DHS collected food group information that reflected different food
grouping that are not fully compatible with the 7 food groups listed above and would need to be reanalyzed. In addition, feeding frequency data both from DHS and MICS was also only collected from
breastfed children. Therefore any re-analysis of DHS data to obtain the minimum acceptable diet can
only reflect the indicator for breastfed children (as for the data shown in Figure 12 above). Other
surveys such as MICS do not currently have the full set of indicators due to difficulty in ensuring the
quality of dietary data. Therefore, it is very important to explore opportunities such as national
nutrition surveys or even specific surveys with focus on IYCF for inclusion of the full set of
indicators.
8. Consumption of iron-rich or iron-fortified foods: Proportion of children 6-23 months of
age who receive an iron-rich food or iron-fortified food that is especially designed for infants
and young children or that is fortified in the home.
This indicator can provide information on use of multiple micronutrient powders or lipid-based nutrient
supplements, commercially fortified complementary foods or similar iron-fortified products. However,
guidance on how to operationalize the data collection is difficult to standardize and significant incountry adaptation is needed to ensure that local names for foods and products are used and that they
contain an adequate or appropriate amount of iron.

2.2.3 Reviewing the area graphs for the country

An area graph offers a visual snapshot of data on infant feeding practices as captured by the DHS,
MICS or other surveys. Graphs highlight the status of infant feeding in a country and major existing
1
problems . The graphs can be used for advocacy purposes, for identification of programmatic
priorities, and for addressing some of the major barriers to optimal feeding. Area graphs may also

The document Introduction to Interpreting Infant and Young Child Feeding Area Graphs issued by UNICEF provides details
on interpreting the area graphs. Area graphs for many countries are also available and updated periodically at: ChildInfo
website

24

provide additional insights for monitoring progress. The example below shows how the country has
progressed from almost no exclusive breastfeeding to a much better status (54% EBF).
Figure 16: Area graphs for Ghana, 1988 and 2003

2.2.4 Collecting additional quantitative & qualitative data

Based on the information gaps identified in the Assessment Matrix and the review of existing data, a
plan for further information gathering and analysis should be developed and implemented accordingly.
It is important to create a map of the most vulnerable groups of population and areas where special
attention or additional interventions may be needed. Special needs groups (i.e. children who are HIV
positive, malnourished, living under emergency conditions, etc.) should also be identified.
Key information that should be collected includes:

Quantitative data on IYCF practices: Primary data includes at least an information on core
indicators of IYCF t(he rates of initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding among children
less than six months, and continued breastfeeding among children aged 12-15 months, data on
complementary feeding (timely introduction, frequency, and diversity). Primary data collection
should be undertaken by using standard survey methodology (e.g. MICS or DHS) or tools such as
ProPAN (see Resources Annex 1-3), to feed into the situation analysis. In the case of subnational programmes, focus should at a minimum be on districts where the programme is being
planned

Qualitative data on behaviours and practices, barriers, social norms etc. It is also necessary
to gather information on traditional practices related to IYCF as well as other data that will input
into the design of the communication strategy and feed into the local adaptation of counselling
tools (see Resources Annex 1-9 for more information on communication development strategy
and tools). This data can be collected through various approaches including formative research
and KAP studies to have full information about socio-cultural norms, factors influencing particular
behaviours, as well as knowledge level, attitudes, practices, and beliefs.

Secondary data relevant to IYCF may include household expenditure surveys, living standards
measurement surveys (LSMS), market assessments, food and crop assessments, food security
surveys, vulnerability assessments.

National IYCF policies and targets: this part of the assessment focuses on the key actions and
1
targets identified in the Innocenti Declarations and Global Strategy for IYCF .

National IYCF programmes: information to collect on all aspects of a comprehensive IYCF

programme including legislation, health worker education, institutional service delivery,
community-based activities, communication, and IYCF programmes in difficult circumstances.

The WHO-Linkages 2003 manual entitled Infant and Young Child Feeding: A Tool for assessing national practices, policies
and programmes is a useful tool for conducting an assessment of national level documents

25

Formative research/KAP studies

Formative research allows programmers to gain better insight into less tangible determinants of
nutritional outcomes, and design interventions that promote behaviour and social change. Formative
research on the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to infant feeding adds crucial qualitative
information on the reasons behind feeding patterns shown in the Area Graphs. The information
obtained through formative research is crucial in the design of the communication strategy, in
developing messages and counselling materials, and in applying appropriate delivery approaches for
interventions in the health system and at community level.
Action-oriented and participatory formative research methods such as community mapping, focus
group discussions, social network analysis, counseling observations, key informant interviews, facilitylevel assessments, and community and market visits are used to better understand barriers and
readiness to change behaviours. For example, focus group discussions have proven useful to examine
barriers and disincentives regarding infant feeding in detail, while at the same time providing a venue
to educate participating women and service providers. The formative research should be done with the
full participation of communities.
Caregiver practices and behaviours may be influenced by numerous factors, including maternal time
allocation, knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, cultural beliefs, social practices or norms, skills; the
health of the caregiver and family members; and social pressures and support [124, 125].
Formative research for the development of the communication strategy requires additional elements
(see Chapter 3.4 on communication).
Formative research for complementary feeding programming is not only needed regarding the
situation of caregivers and their practices and beliefs, but also on the market prices, availability and
affordability of high quality local foods and possibility of additional supplementation. An analysis of
locally available foods appropriate for consumption by infants should be made among different
geographical, ethnic, and socioeconomic status sub-groups
Various tools are available for conducting formative research (See Resources Annex 1-3).
Recommended tools include Designing by Dialogue and the BEHAVE Framework.
The ProPAN Manual is also a comprehensive tool for programming for infant
feeding, which includes a module for qualitative and quantitative data
collection related to IYCF practices and has been used for formative research
in various contexts (see Resources Annex 1-3).
Assessment of complementary foods and feeding practices should aim to
collect information on the various aspects of the Ten Guiding
Principles of Complementary Feeding. Data on complementary feeding
including current food practices and beliefs should be collected from different
sub-populations, i.e. urban vs. rural, different socioeconomic groups, regional
groups, etc. (see below). Well-designed focus groups can provide useful
information. Areas needing improvement should be identified in this process.
A detailed explanation is given in Chapter 2.4,4, of the information that needs to be collected on three
main topics: the food security situation, availability and affordability of quality foods and feeding
practices for children aged 6-23 months.
It should be noted that while nationally representative data is required for nutrition status indicators
such as prevalence of stunting or underweight, or for core IYCF indicators, additional situation
assessment for complementary feeding practices can be done through smaller studies of the target
population with qualitative and quantitative components. Such studies require much less resources (as
compared to a MICS survey), but can still guide the programming process extensively. Also, other
sources of information (for example data on food security, food prices, market, etc.) can be available
through various other surveys already performed in a country.
Two key tools recommended for use in the situation assessment, design, planning and M&E for
complementary feeding include Linear Programming and ProPAN.

26

Once all data has been collected or compiled, it should be analysed and the implications determined in
terms of type or design of interventions that may be required.

2.3 Developing national IYCF policy

Development, planning and implementation of national IYCF strategy
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7

Advocacy, partnerships and coordination

Situation assessment
Developing national IYCF policy
Developing a comprehensive IYCF strategy; identifying and prioritizing IYCF interventions
Using additional opportunities for integration
Developing national and sub-national plans of action and mobilizing resources
Implementing, monitoring, reviewing and evaluating

2.3.1 National IYCF Policy

1

A national IYCF policy is important pre-requisite to

successful strategic planning. A comprehensive
policy can ensure optimal attention to and action on
infant and young child nutrition at various levels: in
the health system, at the community level, and in
other sectors. The IYCF policy can be adopted as a
stand-alone policy or included within national
nutrition, child survival, and development policies as
applicable, but ensuring that it is comprehensively
addressed. In any case, it should be assured that
context-specific and evidence-based areas of IYCF
interventions are included in and supported by the
national policy.

Box 4: Definitions of terms used in this

guidance: IYCF policy
An IYCF policy is usually a formal document
setting out the Governments position on the
recommended IYCF practices and the principles of
action to achieve national goals for the practices,
such as the legislative and systems frameworks,
main areas of intervention and accountabilities. A
policy may be developed and finalized over a
longer time period while it is reviewed and cleared
by relevant bodies.
From: Planning Guide for national Implementation of the
GSIYCF. WHO/UNICEF. 2007.

Policy landscape: If an IYCF policy and/or

programme/strategy already exists, whether stand-alone or integrated within national nutrition or
health policies, an assessment and review should be undertaken. The policy should incorporate the
latest guidance on the various aspects of IYCF, such as the 2002 Global Strategy for IYCF, the
International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (1981) and subsequent WHA Resolutions,
the Innocenti Declarations on the Protection, Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding (1990 and
2005), the 2003 and 2005 guiding principles of complementary feeding, the 2007 operational guidance
on infant feeding in emergencies and addenda, and the 2010 WHO Guidelines on HIV and infant
feeding [126].
Emphasis on need for a comprehensive IYCF policy: national policies on infant and young child
feeding should be comprehensive to ensure that all relevant health and community services protect,
promote and support breastfeeding, ensure timely, safe, appropriate, and age-adequate
complementary feeding at 6-24 months, as well as include guidelines on ensuring appropriate feeding
of infants and young children in exceptionally difficult circumstances. In ensuring the protection of
breastfeeding, the policy should require that legislation pursuant to the Code and maternity protection
be enacted and enforced.The policy also needs to require appropriate norms and standards for
maternity practices, health services, community-based actions and communication.
If the country has a Sector-wide Approach (SWAp), a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP), or
other similar strategies and initiatives, advocacy needs to ensure that IYCF is recognized as an
important contributor to achieving national goals and thus receives adequate attention. All relevant
1

In this document, the terms policy, strategy, programme and intervention have been used with distinct and specific
definitions. See the various boxes for definitions of these terms as they have been used in this document. See also Glossary for
definitions of policies and strategies, and norms.

27

policy, strategy and planning documents and monitoring and evaluation frameworks should have IYCF
sufficiently on the agenda.

2.3.2 Policies for strengthening IYCF within health systems

Health professionals are often influential figures in a society, and the messages, counselling and
advice they provide play a crucial role in ensuring optimal infant and young child feeding practices.
The experiences of mothers and infants in the health care services exert a strong influence on
breastfeeding initiation and later infant feeding behaviour. On the other hand, the actions and advice of
health providers may also reflect a lack of knowledge about correct feeding advice and practices or a
bias towards sub-optimal infant feeding. In many settings where proactive and correct feeding advice
and support is absent in the health system, the opportunity for influencing mothers towards optimal
practices is lost.
Health service interventions for IYCF are one of the key pillars of the overall IYCF policy and
strategy, and are crucial even if service coverage and utilization are not high for all of the maternal and
child health services. Even if the health system is weak or access is poor, IYCF actions should be an
important part of it. In most countries there is at least one health system contact often ante-natal
care or immunization or child health days which could provide the entry point for IYCF services.
To be incorporated into the primary health care system, IYCF has to be included as one of the major
preventive interventions in the national and subnational health policies and strategies, as well as
monitored and evaluated on a regular basis, preferably with indicators included in the health
management information systems (HMIS). Today, many countries are making efforts in strengthening
their national health systems, with special focus on district level health planning, district health system
performance assessments and evaluations, as well as strengthening of the organization, management
and operationalization of district health systems and services. The role of national and district level
managers in systematically addressing infant and young child nutrition problems is crucial to ensure
the inclusion and large-scale implementation of IYCF interventions.
In countries where health system strengthening (HSS) initiatives are of high priority, advocacy
and technical inputs can be provided to ensure that nutrition - and specifically IYCF - is well-addressed
within the various components of the health systems strengthening platforms, including those
examples shown in Figure 17:

Figure 17: HSS platforms & IYCF

Leadership, policy and
governance

IYCF policy, legislation, strategy, annual plans, coordination

mechanism, links with other sectors, norms & standards

Development of standard
minimum packages of services

IYCF key interventions properly reflected in minimum package of

services for health facilities & community health care

Increasing skills and knowledge

of human resources

Pre-service curricula, in-service training for all relevant HW &

CW, job descriptions/tasks reflecting IYCF, work structures
modified to include IYCF, mentoring & supportive supervision

Strengthening the delivery of

health services
Supply management

IYCF services fully institutionalized in all maternities, PHC (MCH)

& community health care; supervision includes IYCF & conducted
regularly
Food supplements, also HW/CW job aids & communication
materials)

Financing/budgets

Funded budget lines for IYCF at national & sub-national levels

Health management
information systems

IYCF key indicators and process benchmarks fully integrated in

HMIS & linked to standard operating procedures & quality
assurance mechanisms

28

2.3.3 Policies to strengthen IYCF within community-based services

In many community settings access and utilization of health facilities are poor, and the available
services are often overstretched. In such contexts, quality at-scale community-based IYCF actions are
particularly important to ensure that mothers and infants are reached with IYCF counselling and
support services. Even with relatively good health service IYCF actions, community-based promotion
and support is essential to achieving high coverage and impact. Community based IYCF services are
also crucial to achieving equitable access for all children under two, since they aim to reach the most
underserved and disadvantaged communities.
Therefore the IYCF policy needs to ensure that IYCF interventions are well addressed within
community based health and nutrition structures and services. In addition, policies and systems
need to be in place to support and facilitate the community-based programme, whether it is an
integrated community-based health and nutrition programme or a stand-alone IYCF community
programme. Very often stand-alone activities like training are conducted for community workers in
selected project areas, in the absence of a solid supporting policy and system to retain and motivate
the community workers and ensure their supervision and monitoring. If these are not addressed from
the outset of the programme, the likelihood of success is substantially reduced.
A Governments and stakeholders standardized approach, applying best practices and sound
systems and design, should be pursued for the whole country or the entire target. To be avoided are
fragmented, uncoordinated, small-scale efforts to train community workers without systems in place for
sustained support for functioning of the activities and supervision of the workers. In cases where there
is no official Government policy on community programmes or remuneration of community workers
(these can take a long time to be formally endorsed), it is still possible to pursue implementation of a
community based IYCF programme at scale so long as all stakeholders agree to and ensure the
application of the supportive systems.
Key policy and system elements that need to be addressed include the following:

The community worker needs to have official recognition by Government authorities as well as by
the community; the workers authority to provide services and products, to refer patients and to
give advice needs to be endorsed and supported by Government policies.

The community programme needs to be well-linked to the health system and consistent with its
policies.

The policy should indicate the need to develop capacity for and implement IYCF counselling and
support services at community level, as well as IYCF promotion (BCC).

The counselling, training, communication, tools provided for the community workers need to be
consistent with those provided to health workers.

The community worker needs to have a clear profile and role.

The community worker needs to receive appropriate incentives or remuneration on a regular basis.

The supply and logistics system needs to function well.

A system for regular monitoring and supportive supervision needs to be established and
implementation assured (see section on Capacity development for community IYCF counselling
for more details).

29

2.4 Developing a comprehensive IYCF strategy & prioritizing

interventions
Development, planning and implementation of national IYCF strategy
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7

Advocacy, partnerships and coordination

Situation assessment
Developing national IYCF policy
Developing a comprehensive IYCF strategy; identifying and prioritizing IYCF interventions
Using additional opportunities for integration
Developing national and sub-national plans of action and mobilizing resources
Implementing, monitoring, reviewing and evaluating

Introduction
Developing a comprehensive IYCF strategy is a key in achieving the objectives and goals for IYCF in a
country. The development of a national strategy on IYCF will help unify, focus, and guide all in1
country interventions and programmes related to breastfeeding and complementary feeding by the
government, NGOs and other partners
Box 5: Definitions of terms used in this guidance: IYCF
in the health, nutrition, social
strategy and interventions
protection and other sectors. It should
be fully integrated within established
An IYCF strategy involves high-level national strategic thinking
Government systems and implethat defines why the issue of IYCF is being addressed, what the
overarching goal and specific objectives are, what key principles
mentation platforms and Government
will be observed, what should be done to achieve the objectives
and donor budgets.
In many countries the development of
annual plans is decentralized to lower
levels of Government structures, for
example regions, provinces and
states. Therefore, it is essential that
the national IYCF strategy is
disseminated to these lower levels and
there is a process of national-level
review of the local plans.
A comprehensive IYCF strategy needs
to include context-specific package of
interventions and actions (see Box 5)
at different levels that need to be
implemented together. It comprises
action at three main levels including:

and by whom. The IYCF strategy should be based on the results

and analysis of the formative research and guided by the policy.
However, it may also serve as a basis for accelerated action on
key evidence-based interventions while the broader policy
document is being developed or awaiting formal endorsement.
The strategy document is a broad outline considering and
choosing between possible choices of IYCF interventions and
actions, focusing on the most critical needs, particular
opportunities, and discarding less promising options. It provides
an overview with guidance on both of the mix and balance of the
interventions to be supported and actions to be taken, and of their
inter-linkages and sequencing over time.
An intervention is a specific action area based on scientific
evidence of efficacy and effectiveness and designed to have an
impact on identified IYCF practices. Examples of interventions
include counselling, communication, food or micronutrient
supplementation, cash transfers, etc.

National level processes and actions (Chapter 2)

Health services level actions (Chapter 3.2)
Community level actions (Chapter 3.3)

It also includes approaches which involve all levels and address:

Regulatory actions (Chapter 3.1)
Communication for behaviour and social change (Chapter 3.4)
IYCF in exceptionally difficult circumstances, including HIV/AIDS and emergencies (Chapter 3.5)
Additional cross-sectoral approaches may also be developed and implemented in countries depending
on the circumstances and existing structures, for example social protection schemes with a child
nutrition component, distribution or marketing of complementary foods, agricultural and food security
1

In this document, the terms policy, strategy, programme and intervention have been used with distinct and specific
definitions. See the various boxes for definitions of these terms as they have been used in this document.

30

interventions focusing on child nutrition and homestead gardening and small animal husbandry (see
Chapter 2.4.3. More large-scale experience and evidence needs to be gathered/generated before
programming recommendations and detailed guidance can be provided.
The national IYCF strategy in a country should address all key components and interventions that
are relevant to the country and sub-national situation (See Chapter 2.4,4 on prioritizing
interventions) and include both breastfeeding and complementary feeding. Overall, optimal
breastfeeding practices have been more clearly defined and are supported in many countries through
integration of breastfeeding strategies into national health policy and action plans. At the same time, in
many cases the package of breastfeeding interventions has not been sufficiently comprehensive for
example, focusing only on the BFHI and Code with no interventions at PHC or community level and no
communication strategy, or only covering communication but with no action at health system or
community level. On the other hand, integration of strategies to improve complementary feeding has
not generally occurred, even though it is also crucial to the survival, growth and development of
children.
The national IYCF strategy will include the most appropriate components based on assessment of the
situation, the policy framework and the prioritization exercise for the interventions. The purpose of the
national strategy is to define how and by whom the interventions and the activities under each main
component will be delivered. In cases of an existing IYCF strategy, a review of the existing
components should be undertaken to assess their appropriateness and determine which necessary
components are missing or which are inadequate in terms of scope, implementation approach and
scale.
1

The strategy document could include :

i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.

Background and rationale, including summary of the most recent situation analysis
Goals, objectives and targets.
Summary of policy statements on recommended infant and young child feeding practices,
legislative aspects and main components of national programme strategy.
Principle areas of intervention & opportunities for integration.
Implementation: summary of actions; actors in different sectors; vision for achieving scale.
Monitoring, review and evaluation.
Resource implications.

2.4.1 Goals, objectives and targets of the national IYCF strategy

The strategy should include the overall goals and objectives for IYCF, ensuring that they are
2
SMART (Resources Annex 1-4). It should also be emphasized that IYCF data needs to be
disaggregated by various parameters such as region and socio-economic group, so that targets can
be set at appropriate levels for populations with very different starting points. This is very important for
the equity agenda, allowing programmes to focus on achieving progress for the most disadvantaged.
The IYCF strategy should reflect not only overall outcome objectives measured by core and optional
IYCF indicators, but also broad output objectives that will be achieved during the defined timeframe.
Examples are given in Table 1 in Chapter 2.7.
A vision of scale should be the starting point for the strategy and related action plans. Achieving
scale is likely to involve a phased approach. This will involve each region and district translating the
national strategy and plan into local plans and identifying the resources needed to implement the
plans. Valuable models that can be adapted for local and national level IYCF planning including microplanning processes undertaken for child health days or immunization services.

Based on WHO IYCF Planning Guide (2007)

SMART objectives are described as: 1.Specific: objectives should specify what they want to achieve.2. Measurable: able to
quantify the targets and benefits;. 3. Achievable: able to attain the objectives (knowing the resources and capacities). 4.
Relevant: relevance of the objectives to the goal; can also mean realistic. 5. Time-bound: stating the time period in which they
will each be accomplished. An example of a SMART objective would be: To increase exclusive breastfeeding rates in
children under six months nationally from 30% in 2006 to 45% by 2011 and 60% by 2015 .
2

31

Model projects to assess feasibility, efficacy and effectiveness of new interventions or innovative ways
of implementing interventions may be conducted before replicating different models to a large scale,
but the focus of the national strategy should be on implementation of proven interventions at scale as
there is sufficient evidence of the impact of the main, proven interventions without a lengthy process of
modelling.

2.4.2 Costing of the strategy

The vision for scope and scale and clear strategies to deliver effective interventions should guide the
resource mobilization strategy. A costing exercise for implementing the strategy is useful to define
the resource envelope that will be needed to reach high levels of coverage over a defined period of
time in a country. A well-budgeted plan is essential for leveraging funding and ensuring that IYCF
scale-up is fully reflected in the Government budgets, including planning and budgeting documents
such as Medium Term Expenditure Frameworks (MTEFs). Various tools for costing exist, including the
Marginal Budgeting for Bottlenecks (MBB) tool (Resources Annex 1-1) which UNICEF is using in a
number of countries. The World Bank has also published a costing model for scaling up nutrition,
including IYCF interventions [127]. The costing of the strategy will also assist in the development of
realistic annual budgets.

2.4.3 Key components and interventions of IYCF strategy

A comprehensive IYCF strategy needs to include a number of important components necessary to
reach significant and sustainable results and improvement of feeding practices at scale. Their
importance and prioritization, however, need to be adapted to the local situation and context. Box 6
lists components and interventions that can be considered for inclusion in a comprehensive IYCF
strategy
Box 6: Components and interventions for a comprehensive IYCF strategy
Legislation:
1. Development & enforcement of national legislation on the marketing of BMS.
2. Development & enforcement of national legislation on maternity protection.
IYCF interventions for skilled support by the health system:
3. Development/updating of IYCF integrated curriculum for health provider pre-service and in-service
education.
4. Establishment of IYCF counselling and other support services in health facilities at relevant MCH
contacts in primary health care services.
5. Capacity development on IYCF and maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation for health
providers and lactation counsellors.
6. Institutionalization of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding in all maternities (BFHI).
IYCF interventions for community-based counselling and support:
7. Establishment of community based integrated IYCF counselling services at community level and
capacity development of community workers.
8. Creation of mother support groups for IYCF in the community.
Communication:
9. Implementation of communication for behaviour and social change through multiple channels.
Additional complementary feeding components:
10. Improving the quality of complementary foods through locally available ingredients.
11. Measures to improve the availability and use of local foods through increasing agricultural production
of high quality local foods (e.g. homestead production, animal husbandry, linking with agricultural
extension).
12. Provision of nutrition supplements and foods for complementary feeding (MNPs, LNS, fortified
complementary foods, etc.) in food-insecure populations and social & commercial marketing of nutrition
supplements and foods for complementary feeding in general population.
13. Social protection schemes with nutrition component - complementary feeding. (e.g. in kind
complementary foods, vouchers, cash transfers).
IYCF in difficult circumstances:
14. HIV and infant feeding.
15. IYCF in emergencies.

32

Strategy component: Legislation

1. Development & enforcement of legislation on marketing of BMS
The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and subsequent World Health Assembly
Resolutions need to be translated into national legislation and regulations, integrated into legislative
and regulatory frameworks of the country.
There is no doubt that the breastmilk substitutes (BMS) industry spends significant funds to persuade
mothers to use formula which seriously jeopardizes breastfeeding. For example, in the five-year period
from 1999 to 2004, the formula industry spent a total of almost $223 million on formula advertising
[128]. Recent studies demonstrate the impact of promotional activities on the decision of women to
breastfeed their babies. For example, the percentage change in breastfeeding rates tended to
decrease when frequency of advertisements for artificial feeding increased [129], and free formula
samples to mothers at hospital discharge led to lower breastfeeding rates [129]. There is also
evidence that the adoption of legislation or regulations to implement the International Code leads to a
1
reduction in the amount of breastmilk substitutes that are purchased. The figure below shows the
disparity in the retail value of milk formula sales between China, which has no regulations in place, and
India, which is often regarded as one of the countries with the most effective Code legislation in place.
Figure 18: Formula industry analysis of formula sales in India vs. China

China
India

Source: Euromonitor International

The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes was adopted by the World Health
Assembly in 1981 to address this problem. The Code recommends that Governments enact legislation
that will prohibit the advertising and all other forms of promotion of breastmilk substitutes, feeding
bottles and teats. The World Health Assembly regularly revisits the issue of IYCF and has adopted
subsequent resolutions intended to address ambiguities in the Code and deal with new and innovative
ways in which companies market products to circumvent the Code. In this document, all references to
the Code include the subsequent WHA Resolutions.
The most recent document was adopted in May 2010, when the sixty-third World Health Assembly
again called on Member States to implement the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk
Substitutes and all Subsequent World Health Assembly Resolutions (The Code). In doing so, the WHA
made the following observations:

Euromonitor. Global Packaged Food: Market Opportunities for Baby Food to 2013. 2009. Euromonitor is an industry
intelligence agency.

33

Recognizing that the promotion of breast-milk substitutes and some commercial foods for infants
and young children undermines progress in optimal infant and young child feeding;
Expressing deep concern over persistent reports of violations of the International Code of
Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes by some infant food manufacturers and distributors with
regard to promotion targeting mothers and health-care workers;
Expressing further concern over reports of the ineffectiveness of measures, particularly voluntary
measures, to ensure compliance with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk
Substitutes in some countries;
then called on governments:
(2) to strengthen and expedite the sustainable implementation of the global strategy for infant and
young child feeding including emphasis on giving effect to the aim and principles of the
International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes ..;
(3) to develop and/or strengthen legislative, regulatory and/or other effective measures to control
the marketing of breastmilk substitutes in order to give effect to the International Code of
Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and relevant resolution adopted by the World Health
Assembly

Key elements for successful Code implementation include:

Creation of a critical mass of Code advocates through Code

awareness training, media campaigns and other means of
communication. These advocates and allies are necessary to keep the
Code implementation high on the political and legislative agenda.
In-depth training for policy makers and lawyers is vital to ensuring that
the national legislation will be properly drafted.
Clearly drafted Code regulations that incorporate all provisions of the
Code and any subsequent WHA resolutions as a minimum standard,
and include the necessary implementation and enforcement provisions
by identifying an independent body responsible for monitoring. This
body, to which violations are reported, acts as a forum for adjudication
and can affect sanctions and regulatory processes as a deterrent to
code violations. Without clearly drafted regulations and an effective
system for implementation and enforcement, violations will continue,
further undermining breastfeeding.
Regular, independent monitoring, free from commercial interests, using standard protocols to
document violations. Regular monitoring reports from all involved in Code monitoring (could
include the health system, NGOs, consumer groups, etc.) helps ensure that the Code is being
implemented in all relevant areas (hospitals, media, public places, etc.).

2. Development & enforcement of national legislation on maternity protection

In many countries, very little has been done by Governments or partners to encourage the adoption of
appropriate maternity protection. As a result, returning to work is often cited as one of the main
reasons for stopping breastfeeding.
The Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding (2003) (Resources Annex 1-1) reemphasizes the importance of maternity protection:
Women in paid employment can be helped to continue breastfeeding by being provided with minimum
enabling conditions, for example paid maternity leave, part-time work arrangements, on-site crches,
facilities for expressing and storing breastmilk, and breastfeeding breaks.
Mothers should also be able to continue breastfeeding and caring for their children after they return to
paid employment. This can be accomplished by implementing maternity protection legislation and
related measures consistent with ILO Maternity Protection Convention, 2000 No. 183 and Maternity

34

Protection Recommendation, 2000 No. 191. Maternity leave, day-care facilities and paid breastfeeding
breaks should be available for all women employed outside the home.

ILO Maternity Protection Conventions

The International Labour Organization (ILO) formulates international labour standards, including those
for the workload adjustments for women in the formal workplace. Nations that ratify ILO Conventions
fall under a legal obligation to implement the provisions of the Convention through appropriate
legislation.
To date, three Maternity Protection Conventions (No. 3, 1919; No. 103, 1952; and No. 183, 2000)
[130] and two Maternity Protection Recommendations (No. 95, 1952 and No. 191, 2000) [131] have
been adopted by the International Labour Conference. Convention 183 came into force on 7 February
2002 (see box 7). As of March 2009, 17 governments ratified C-1831.
Although maternity protection has been a concern
at ILO since 1919, progress towards meeting the
ILO standards has been slow. Only 77 nations
ratified at least one of the three conventions since
1919. Most countries in the world, however, have
developed national legislation that ensures that
women workers are granted some form of paid
maternity leave before and/or after birth. The
present national legislation should be examined
and compared to Convention 183.

Maternity protection legislation does not protect

women who are engaged in non-paid activities,
such as working in the family field or market stall, or
paid activities in the informal sector. These women
also need support and encouragement to provide
the best start for their infants life. Programmes and
messages should encourage other family or
community members to ensure that the lactating
mothers workload is lessened.

Box 7 Maternity Protection Convention,

C-183 (2000)
The main provisions of the 2000 Convention can
be summarised as follows:

Applies to all employed women, including

those in atypical forms of dependent work".

Provides for 14 weeks maternity leave (12

weeks in the previous 1954 Convention).

Maternity leave shall include a period of six

weeks compulsory leave after childbirth.

Where cash benefits are paid with respect to

leave based on previous earnings, this must
be at least 2/3 previous earnings.

Includes the right to return to the same

position or an equivalent position at the same
rate at the end of maternity leave.

Includes the right to one or more daily breaks

or a daily reduction of hours of work to
breastfeed her child.

These breaks or the reduction of daily hours

of work shall be counted as working time and
remunerated accordingly.

Strategy component: Interventions in the health system

3. Development/updating of IYCF integrated curriculum for health provider pre-service and
in-service education.
4. Establishment of IYCF counselling and other support services in health facilities at
relevant MCH contacts in primary health care services.
5. Capacity development on IYCF and maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation
for health providers and lactation counsellors.
6. Institutionalization of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding in all maternities (BFHI).
The influence of health providers extends beyond the facilities where they work and the caregivers
they come into contact with. The senior health managers and providers working in the national Ministry
of Health, large facilities and hospitals, district and provincial health offices, and in training institutes
are often in charge of conducting supervision, capacity building, and providing advice on policies and
protocols. It is crucial that they are fully capacitated on the most effective ways of IYCF programming.
In cases where capacity and understanding of IYCF is limited, commitment and performance for IYCF

Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belize, Bulgaria, Cuba, Cyprus, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mali, Republic of
Moldova, the Netherlands, Romania and Slovakia

35

is significantly jeopardised. In many instances a strong advocacy is needed to convince this group of
professionals on the importance of IYCF and the actions needed.
A key component of the strategy therefore is the capacity development of health staff. Whether for inservice training or pre-service education, the need to build up teams of experienced trainers is
critical. There are excellent examples of countries that have been able to implement breastfeeding
counselling training nationwide by systematically building the capacity of district managers and senior
clinicians to plan for and conduct in-service training. The same success needs to be replicated for
more integrated infant and young child nutrition training at scale which would include both
breastfeeding and complementary feeding. It is also critical to ensure that the training of health
providers is not the first and last step in the process of capacity building. Training sessions on their
own do not produce capacity and sustained implementation of services and achievement of results.
The appropriate systems and structures to implement the IYCF counselling services need to be
developed, and supervision and performance monitoring mechanisms need to be in place to ensure
sustained implementation. This is especially important in contexts where human resources are
constrained or health systems are weak. For development or updating of pre-service and inservice curricula to ensure they adequately address IYCF the WHO Model Chapter on IYCF can be
used as the standard.
Improving infant feeding practices in maternity facilities through applying the Ten Steps to
Successful Breastfeeding in all facilities should be an important part of the national strategy. The IYCF
strategy needs to set out the vision for fully integrating the principles of the Ten Steps to Successful
Breastfeeding within the standard operating procedures for maternity services, including required
capacities and training of staff and monitoring systems. All IYCF interventions in the health system
must be properly institutionalized within the national health system in order to ensure continuity and
sustainability. Implementation of parallel, vertical project-type IYCF activities should be avoided.
It is also important to implement IYCF actions in the health system beyond maternity services:
especially at the primary health care level. Even in countries where institutional delivery coverage is
high, continued IYCF counselling and support is needed after discharge which is not feasible to
organize by the maternities. This support is best delivered at multiple maternal and child health
contacts with the primary health care system to maximize the opportunities to deliver age-appropriate
advice by capable staff. The task of conducting IYCF counselling should be integrated into the
standard tasks and job descriptions of MCH staff, as well as in the performance monitoring systems
and within the child and maternal health cards. The IYCF support and counselling by the primary
health care services should be complemented by community-based activities where no health provider
exists.
HIV and infant feeding recommendations, based on the latest (2010) guidelines, need to be fully
integrated within all the IYCF guidelines, materials, training sessions and counselling contacts in the
health services. (Specific HIV and infant feeding issues in the health services are addressed in the
separate HIV and infant feeding chapter in this guidance document.)
The monitoring of IYCF services in the health system also needs to be carefully designed to
ensure it captures relevant information on priority indicators, including counselling sessions held with
each caregiver and reported feeding practices. Tools can include simple tally sheets summarized onto
graphs or charts at the health facility and aggregated for reporting at each subsequent level of the
health system. Other tools for monitoring are the child and maternal health cards, which can be
modified to reflect counselling contacts and reported feeding practices; these cards can also record
problems with feeding. Health professionals, particularly those at the primary health care services
level, also have a role in supervising community cadres, and they need to have the appropriate
capacity perform this task.
The health system may also have a role in distributing supplements for complementary feeding
(e.g. lipid nutrient supplements or multiple micronutrient supplements, or vouchers for fortified
complementary foods for children aged 6-23 months among vulnerable, food insecure groups, linked
to IYCF counselling and MCH services (see Chapter 3.2.6). The systems for targeting, delivery and
monitoring of these products, as well as the supply forecasting, requisition and management in the
health services, need to be clearly defined. The linkage to the IYCF counselling services also needs to
be clearly articulated and monitored. The distribution of products to these groups can effectively serve

36

as an incentive to attend health facilities more frequently and thus provide an opportunity to deliver
IYCF counselling services [132].
Maternal nutrition, especially during pregnancy and lactation, is crucial to good maternal health,
healthy pregnancy outcomes, and infant health and nutrition. The health services should deliver a
package of interventions during pregnancy and lactation aiming to ensure that women consume an
adequate balanced diet, including supplements and fortified foods where available, and achieve and
maintaining a desirable weight. The interventions include regular assessment of nutrition status,
counselling on diet and care, micronutrient supplementation, provision or referral for supplementary
feeding in case of undernutrition and related health interventions.

Strategy component: Community based IYCF interventions

7. Establishment of community based IYCF counselling services at community level and

capacity development of community workers.

8. Establishment of mother support groups for IYCF in the community.
Families and communities are not only recipients but also indispensable resources in the promotion
and support of appropriate infant and young child feeding. Evidence has shown that community-based
breastfeeding and complementary feeding promotion and support can be effective in increasing
optimal infant and young child feeding and improving infant health. Evaluations have shown that
breastfeeding practices can change over a relatively short period, but need continued reinforcement to
be sustained [133].
Ideally, community-based IYCF programmes and activities should build upon existing health
and nutrition programmes to the extent possible, rather than creating new and separate or parallel
structures. Multiple program frameworks can offer opportunities for community-based IYCF promotion
and support existing programmes afford useful entry points for IYCF in some countries, while in
other settings new programme frameworks tailored to the local context may need to be designed and
introduced. In all cases, the programme needs to be designed and implemented in such a way that the
IYCF component does not get lost or diluted among many other activities and is addressed in a
thorough and quality manner, rather than superficially.
In many programmes, the role of community cadres in IYCF is primarily promotional, which in itself is
important. However, community workers can, if properly trained and supported, also serve as
indispensable resources for counselling and practical support to mothers on breastfeeding and
complementary feeding, and can assist in solving common problems. These skills require a more
detailed, hands-on training than is typically provided. In addition, already trained community workers
need continued mentoring and encouragement. It also needs to be clear from the outset that effective
IYCF counselling skills must be distinguished from providing basic information about desirable IYCF
practices though communication for behaviour change. Community workers need additional practical
skills to support mothers to breastfeed and solve problems, skills in counselling and negotiating with
caregivers and skills in facilitating interactive group sessions and other communication activities.
Therefore, communications for behaviour change activities have to be complemented with
counselling and support by skilled community workers.
Caregivers must be given information and support on both breastfeeding and complementary feeding,
including information about locally available foods and additional options for improving both the quality
of the available foods and the feeding practices themselves. (See Guiding Principles for
Complementary Feeding of the Breastfed Child and Feeding Non-breastfed Children 6-24
Months of Age in Resources Annex 1-2). Community workers need to be able to provide counselling
services on appropriate complementary feeding, the best use of locally available and acceptable
foods, desired feeding practices and solving of problems, and strengthening of such skills needs to be
part of pre-and in-service training. Development of messages needs careful assessment of most
prominent feeding issues and using of simple concepts that are understandable to mothers in the local
context. For example, it has been shown that interventions that include a strong emphasis on feeding
nutrient-rich foods may be more likely to show an effect on child growth than interventions with more
general messages about complementary feeding [134] (e.g. it is much more effective to focus on

37

encouraging mothers to give the child an egg three times a week than to just tell them feed more
animal source foods, or provide children with a more diverse diet).
IYCF is often addressed over a few hours as part
of an integrated preventive training module for
community workers, but this type of training
cannot build counselling, communication and
problem-solving skills and is superficial to build a
good understanding of the technical aspects of
good IYCF practices and the risks of poor
practices.
Reviews have shown that many community-based
programmes have failed to achieve scale.
Therefore, a national strategy needs to have a
vision for scale. Inclusion of the community IYCF
actions in all districts needs to be pursued in a
phased manner and progressively integrated
within the national and district health plans and
budgets. District health authority leadership,
ownership and management and partner support
are important issues to emphasize in this process.

Box 8: The generic UNICEF Community IYCF

Counselling Package
Until recently, no global generic training package for
community cadres existed. To fill this gap, in 20092010 UNICEF developed and field-tested a generic
Community IYCF Counselling Package (Resources
Annex 1-8 and see community chapter, for details)
providing a fully integrated set of materials for use at
the community level. The package includes nine
components, including tools to support planning and
adaptation at the country level, counselling and
behaviour change, supervision, mentoring and
monitoring. The package is based on an adaptation
of the WHO/UNICEF 2006 Integrated IYCF
Counselling Course, tailored to low-literacy workers. It
addresses breastfeeding, complementary feeding,
maternal nutrition, the latest guidelines on HIV and
infant feeding, IYCF in emergencies and IYCF in the
context of SAM.

Strategy component: Communication for behaviour and social change

Communication for IYCF, an essential contributor to large-scale behavioural and social change, should
be an intrinsic element of any national Child Survival/Health and Nutrition programme. An effective
IYCF communication strategy is evidence and results-based. Communication should be viewed
broadly: not as only a community-based action, or only a massmedia campaign, but as a
comprehensive national strategy and set of actions with a broad stakeholder base and participation,
and the use of multiple communication channels. An effective communication strategy can be
developed by using participatory processes with stakeholders and beneficiaries and by analysing
formative research data and other evidence on IYCF to tailor the optimal set of objectives,
approaches, activities, communication tools, channels, and messages. Communication broadly
encompasses advocacy, social mobilization, social marketing, and behaviour and social
communication. (See Annex 2: Glossary for the definitions of these above noted terms).
It is critical to learn from experiences with different approaches to communication on IYCF: a
programme should not expect that repeating the same messages and approaches that were used
in the past with limited impact will produce different results. Successful programmes have
demonstrated that investment in the process required to design and implement an evidence-based,
participatory communication strategy using multiple appropriate channels will produce results. To
achieve behaviour and social change, findings support a shift in approach toward a process that:

Is systematic, strategic, evidence-based, participatory and at scale.

Has measurable behavioural and process objectives.
Reflects values, local and larger contexts and potential for family members, including children,
and many other participant groups to be agents of change.
Focuses on social transformation for sustainable results.
Is based on human rights principles of inclusivity, equity and universality.

Six key steps are suggested for the design and development of a communication strategy and
implementation plan:
1. Establishment of a national coordination mechanism for communication aspects of the national
IYCF strategy.
2. Undertaking and analysing a communication situation assessment and formative research.
3. Development of a communication strategy and operational plan.

38

4. Design of messages and materials and selection of channels.

5. Implementation of the communication plan.
6. Monitoring interim communication outcomes and evaluating impact on behaviours.

Strategy component: Additional complementary feeding interventions/components

9. Improving the quality of complementary foods through locally available

ingredients.
10. Measures to improve the availability and use of local foods through increasing

agricultural production of high quality local foods (e.g. homestead production, animal
husbandry, linking with agricultural extension).
11. Provision of nutrition supplements and foods for complementary feeding (MNPs, LNS,
fortified complementary foods) in food-insecure populations and social & commercial
marketing of nutrition supplements and foods for complementary feeding in general
population, including stimulating quality local production.
12. Social protection schemes with nutrition component.
9. Improving the quality of complementary foods through locally available ingredients
Locally available and acceptable foods should be used for complementary feeding whenever possible.
Identification of such foods should be prioritized so that key findings can be incorporated into nutrition
education and counselling. Traditional household techniques that improve nutritional content of
commonly consumed plant-based foods, as well as availability and consumption of animal source
foods should be assessed and exploited. In addition, analyses of typical diets need to take into
consideration the presence of anti-nutrients and inhibitors of absorption when assessing adequacy of
nutrient intake. Analysis of diets will allow the identification of the main nutrient gaps and the so-called
problem nutrients most prevalent in a particular setting. In many developing countries, iron, iodine,
zinc, vitamin A and vitamin D are problem nutrients, among others. Iron, iodine, zinc and vitamin D
requirements are very difficult to be met with plant-based diets, and therefore are problematic in many
contexts where animal-source foods and fortified foods are scarce. In addition to micronutrients, diets
in developing countries are often deficient in essential fatty acids. There is increasing evidence that
essential fatty acids affect growth in infants and young children [135].
Tools which can be used to identify and optimize use of locally available foods and design
complementary feeding programmes include ProPAN, a tool which addresses essential elements
necessary to design and evaluate interventions to improve IYCF through:
identification of specific nutritional and dietary problems,
understanding of the context in which these problems occur,
presenting a method for identifying, ranking and selecting practices to promote that are
practical, feasible and accepted by the community and potentially effective if adopted.
Linear Programming (Resources Annex 1-3) is a tool to analyze the nutritional value of locally
available foods and recommend the best combinations to meet the infant/child needs. It can also be
used to develop least-cost complementary feeding diets. This process requires information on the
types of foods locally available, their costs, and an estimation of the maximum amount of each food
type infants and young children should consume.
Improving bio-availability of nutrients in local foods is another important method for improving the
quality of the local diet. Traditional processing methods, such as fermentation, germination, and
roasting, are simple and inexpensive and have been practiced for generations in many countries.
Traditional processing may produce foods with many positive attributes, such as favourable texture,
good organoleptic quality, reduced bulk, enhanced shelf life, partial or complete elimination of antinutritional factors, reduced cooking time, and improved nutritional value. These methods have often
been used separately or in combination with one another for preparation of infant complementary
foods, and the nutritional profile of these foods has been reported [136]. It is therefore recommended
to review the available and accepted techniques at the local level and encourage their utilization for
enhancing absorption of nutrients from traditional diets.

39

11. Measures to increase agricultural production of high quality local foods

As the importance of animal source foods has been specifically demonstrated in improving the diet
quality in the complementary feeding period, development of practical guidelines and best practices for
design of livestock interventions (with collaboration among sectors) can be an important contributor to
nutrition as well as food security and poverty reduction [137]. Livestock development interventions in
lower-income countries typically have as their primary objective generating income for livestockkeeping households. Nevertheless, livestock can also be used to deliver critical nutrients needed to
enhance the nutritional status of household members and secure their most fundamental livelihood
asset, their human capital, and in turn help to alleviate the inter-generational poverty. Therefore,
improving complementary feeding can become an important element of comprehensive livestock
interventions.
Homestead Food Production (HFP) is a possible approach to increasing availability of local foods. A
holistic, integrated package of home gardening, small livestock production and nutrition education has
been shown to improve household food production and diet quality; also empowering women,
households, and communities through economic and social development [138].
Delivery strategies for HFP need to be better designed to target 6-24 months age group and their
caregivers. The programs can be used to improve diet quality and diversity of complementary foods
for young children, for example, by focusing on
home production of animal source foods (e.g.
Box 9. Bangladesh homestead food
eggs). Agricultural initiatives for increasing the
production project
production of green leafy vegetables have also
In Bangladesh, Homestead Food Production
proven to be a way not only to increase income of
(HFP) has improved food security for nearly 5
households but also to provide better dietary
million vulnerable people. In Cambodia, Nepal,
diversity [139].
and the Philippines, HFP has improved the food
security and livelihoods of over 1 million
households. HFP programming has begun to take
hold in Sub-Saharan Africa (Burkina Faso,
Mozambique, Niger, Senegal, and Tanzania),
mostly at smaller scale, ranging from school
gardens in Burkina Faso to the promotion of biofortified orange-flesh sweet potatoes in
Mozambique, and less focus on animal
production.

In addition to having an impact on nutrition from the

production perspective, agricultural extension
programmes can also provide an opportunity for
providing nutrition information, counseling and
problem-solving at the community and household
level to improve practices. These programs may
originally be designed through the agriculture
ministries and focused more on addressing
agriculture production. However, they can also
provide access to household on a regular basis for providing nutrition information, especially around
preparation and consumption of good quality foods. Various studies have shown high cost-benefits for
such programs, and impacts on improving the quality of diets of household and healthy behaviors
[140], [141] showing that agricultural extensions can be used for addressing care-giver feeding
practices and can play a significant role in providing nutrition services at the community level [142].

12. Nutrition supplements and foods for complementary feeding

Use of micronutrient supplementation or fortification at point of use (home fortification):
In cases where the analysis of available foods shows that while the energy and protein density of the
foods is adequate or can be enhanced through better use of locally available foods, but the
requirements for certain micronutrients is not possible to meet with locally available foods,
supplementation (in-home fortification) among different populations should be considered.
Use of micronutrient powders with complementary foods can be an option to improve the micronutrient
quality of complementary foods at a low cost. Widespread use of such products will require additional
in-kind distribution and education to poorest families, and social marketing for demand increase by
those you can afford these products. These products may be especially useful in areas where the
problems are mainly related to micronutrient deficiencies and access/affordability of industriallyprocessed fortified complementary foods is limited.

40

Micronutrient deficiencies are often part of an overall inadequate diet with low diversity. It should
therefore be noted that if in a population both growth and micronutrient deficiencies are problematic,
additional interventions will be needed to improve growth [143,144]. To improve overall
complementary feeding of infants and young children, provision of micronutrient supplements could
also provide an additional incentive to caregivers to follow up the recommendations and return for
visits. Using the supplements in this manner, together with improved quality of counselling and access
to foods and supportive supervision, can have a significant impact on growth (e.g. reduce stunting) as
well [145].
Use of lipid based nutrient supplements and other types of food assistance in food insecure
environments or socio-economic deprivation (non-emergency situations).
Under certain conditions, provision of lipid-based nutrient supplements and other types of food
assistance may be needed to ensure appropriate complementary feeding for selected food-insecure
sub-populations. These populations may experience significant nutrient gaps in both macro and
micronutrients.The supplement distribution may have different inclusion criteria, e.g., households with
children who have poor nutritional status, the poorest families in a community or to all families in the
poorest communities in a target area, or blanket distribution in an area during the hunger season.
Large-scale approaches may include the provision of complementary food supplements such as lipid
based nutrient supplements (LNS) containing both micronutrients and macronutrients to selected
target groups (see Resources Annex 1-2, Description of available complementary foods and
supplements for details of various products). These groups may include the most socio-economically
deprived families, communities or larger geographical areas with high levels of food insecurity. The
selection of the product should be context-specific, based on the degree of food insecurity and the
quality of locally available foods, and evidence of high potential for impact. There may be a need for
longer-term provision of the product in some cases, or shorter-term provision during a lean season or
a post-emergency recovery period, for example.
Current evidence shows that in order to show an impact on growth, the supplements in the context of
IYCF counselling has to be provided for at least six months, with the greatest impact shown after six
months of provision in a highly controlled, small study setting [111]. However, the decision to include
these supplements within the national IYCF program calls for further national-level consultation to
assess needs, evidence of impact and potential for benefits in the children 6-23 months. It should be
noted that the evidence is gradually building in this area; therefore there is a need to use the most
recent information for making programmatic decision.
Although in some contexts there is a need for provision of supplements to address nutritional gaps in
the diet, the focus should not be solely on the products. It is not recommended to develop a
programme related to a product per se, rather, there needs to be a comprehensive IYCF programme,
into which this additional provision of products can be integrated as necessary.
It should be noted that appropriate complementary feeding provides a solid basis for prevention of
growth faltering, as well as for stopping the progression of growth faltering towards moderate and
severe undernutrition.
The overall IYCF programming framework provides a baseline for ensuring best practices for
prevention of undernutrition in all situations, including the non-emergency context as well as
"acceptable situations" in accordance with relevant guidelines [146]. In such circumstances where no
specific blanket supplementary food rations are provided, IYCF counselling and support ensures that
caregivers of children who do not have adequate growth or are faltering, can address problems and
improve feeding practices. Therefore, the complementary feeding decision tree could be applied to
interventions for prevention of any type of undernutrition.
There may be different scenarios of transition between complementary feeding and blanket
supplementary feeding interventions. For example, an emergency blanket feeding programme for all
children 6-59 months may transition to a more focused programme providing complementary feeding
supplements to children 6-18 months during the recovery phase, or a complementary feeding
intervention for children 6-18 months in a chronically food insecure area or a seasonal intervention
during the annual lean season may transition to a broader blanket supplementary feeding
programme if the situation deteriorates. Interventions implemented as part of an emergency response

41

programme may serve as a catalyst for longer-term programming to improve complementary feeding,
especially in situations where there was no prior complementary feeding programming.

Possible use of quality industrially-processed fortified complementary foods

It is important to assess availability of industrially-processed fortified complementary foods marketed
for young children especially in a context of increased urbanisation where access is high. The
capacities of the local industry in producing high quality complementary foods, and viability of this
option for improving the quality of complementary foods for poor children could be assessed and
supported as well. Other potential private partners can be identified for development of adequate
industrially-processed fortified complementary foods or products for home fortification.
This option may be particularly important for groups of population that can afford it. Industriallyprocessed complementary foods need to be affordable, commercially available, and promoted to
generate market demand. Production and marketing by the private sector must follow ethical
guidelines and appropriate messages on breastfeeding and complementary feeding (in accordance
with the Guiding Principles). In addition, these foods may also be provided free through voucher
schemes to those who cannot afford to purchase them even at subsidized prices. In certain situations,
for example among the urban working poor in Latin America, low cost or subsidized industriallyprocessed fortified complementary foods have been successfully used as effective interventions in
improving IYCF.
Complementary foods must meet nutrient requirements of children aged 6-23months through an
appropriate portion size. Factors such as time to cook, organoleptic properties, storage, and
packaging should be considered. Currently, information is available regarding labelling, hygiene
practices, standards for processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children and the
guidelines on formulated supplementary foods for older infants and young children (through the Codex
Alimentarius [147]). Ideal composition of industrially-processed complementary foods and
recommendations for production has also been proposed [148].
In addition, other modalities for local production and marketing of fortified complementary foods need
to be explored. These could include new approaches and models that improve both family income and
availability of high-quality foods. An example of this is a womens cooperative that produces
complementary foods for sale. This type of approach not only provides financial support to mothers
working in the cooperative, but at the same time, ensures availability of high-quality complementary
foods, and opportunities for peer-to-peer education. This and other similar approaches need to be
implemented to ensure greater access to high-quality complementary foods in communities. It should
be noted that such strategies have not been implemented at scale and may not reach the most
vulnerable who cannot purchase the products.

13. Social protection schemes with nutrition component

Social protection schemes which link provision of counselling and education with in-kind supplements,
vouchers for specific products or conditional cash transfers [149] are among the important approaches
to improving complementary feeding. These schemes have been implemented in a number of Latin
American countries, mostly with positive outcomes in terms of reducing rates of stunting [150], [151].
Examples with positive impact include Peru and Guatemala, Mexico, and others (see Chapter 1.5 on
the evidence of impact of these programmes).
Today, many social protection programmes increasingly include a strong nutrition component to
achieve their goals of reducing extreme poverty and hunger and developing opportunities to the poor.
Programmes that have provided nutrition education, communication and counselling as well as
targeted supplementation have been able to report adequate food consumption and more diverse diets
(with more animal source foods) and even reductions in the probability of stunting in young children
[152]. It is of crucial importance to include IYCF from the early stages of planning for such high scale
programmes to ensure that target groups, food and other benefits packages include children under two
years and linkages are established with relevant counselling services.

42

Strategy component: IYCF in exceptionally difficult circumstances

14. HIV and infant feeding
Infant and young child feeding in the context of HIV and AIDS poses significant challenges due to the
risk of transmission of the virus via breastfeeding. Prior to the latest guidelines on HIV and infant
feeding, which are based on the evidence of positive outcomes for HIV-free survival through provision
of ARVs to breastfed HIV-exposed infants, avoidance or early cessation of breastfeeding seemed
logical and appropriate. However, the repercussions for the health and survival of the infants were
serious, with studies showing much higher mortality rates due to diarrhoea, malnutrition and other
diseases in non-breastfed children. Thus the focus is now on ensuring HIV-free survival, not just on
preventing transmission. The new (2010) guidelines on HIV and infant feeding [126] provide a much
clearer pathway towards this goal.
The evidence shows that administering anti-retroviral treatment (ART) to all HIV+ mothers with CD-4
counts <350 throughout the breastfeeding period [153] or providing extended anti-retroviral prophylaxis
to infants born to HIV-positive women with CD-4 counts >350, along with prophylaxis for the mother,
can significantly reduce post-natal transmission [154].With provision of ARVs, breastfeeding is made
dramatically safer and the balance of risks between breastfeeding and replacement feeding is
fundamentally changed. The mothers own health is also protected. This new evidence fundamentally
transforms the landscape in which decisions on infant feeding practices are made by individual
mothers, national health authorities and international development partners.
The 2010 guidelines contains nine key principles, and seven recommendations, which need to be
reflected in the national IYCF policy and strategy, as well as updated versions of all relevant national
guidelines, planning and supply management frameworks, training and counselling materials and
communication strategies.
National infant feeding recommendations: National or sub-national health authorities should select and
make a decision on which one of two feeding options should be supported by the health system as
the strategy that will most likely give infants the greatest chance of HIV-free survival:

either breastfeed and receive ARV interventions or

avoid all breastfeeding,

Following this policy decision, the health services should counsel and support all mothers known to be
HIV-infected on the countrys selected recommendation, as opposed to the previous approach of
counselling each mother on choice of options: to breastfeed or artificially feed her infant.
This decision should be based on international recommendations and consideration of the socioeconomic and cultural contexts of the populations served by maternal and child health services, the
availability and quality of health services, the local epidemiology including HIV prevalence among
pregnant women and main causes of infant and child mortality and maternal and child under-nutrition.
Countries with high infant mortality rates are also likely to have a high risk of death due to lack of
breastfeeding and therefore should carefully consider this balance of risks versus HIV transmission
through safer breastfeeding with ARVs.
Interventions and actions to address infant feeding in the context of HIV include:
i.

Achieving national consensus, developing/updating policies reflecting the 2010 WHO

guidelines, as well as guidelines and materials on HIV and infant feeding, and disseminating
widely.

ii.

Intensification of efforts to implement and enforce the Code.

iii.

Implementation of actions related to HIV and infant feeding in the health system, including
ensuring implementation of IYCF counselling as part of the PMTCT services and capacity
development of health providers on the new WHO guidelines.

iv.

Implementation of IYCF counselling in communities using counselling tools which include the
2010 HIV and infant feeding guidelines, and provision of support for follow up of HIV-infected

43

mothers and exposed and exposed infants and ensuring adherence to ARV regimes and
infant feeding recommendations.
v.

Communication on HIV and infant feeding as part of the overall communication strategy, with
carefully-tailored messages on the safety and importance of breastfeeding in the context of
ensuring HIV-free survival, the importance of adherence to the ARV regimens, and messages
on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding even in the absence of ARVs.

vi.

Monitoring and evaluation considerations for HIV and infant feeding, including routine
monitoring of feeding practices, review of the impact of HIV and PMTCT programmes on
breastfeeding rates and other aspects of infant feeding and operations research.

15. IYCF in emergencies

The national IYCF strategies need to specifically address IYCF programming in emergencies for the
following reasons:

Breastfeeding is safe, free and a crucial life-saving intervention for vulnerable children whose risks
of death increase markedly in emergencies.
Emergency situations exacerbate risks for non-breastfed children and those who are on mixed
feeding.
Both exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months and continued breastfeeding after 6 months are
crucial in reducing the risk of diarrhoea and other illnesses in older children, which is heightened in
emergencies.
Donations of BMS undermine breastfeeding and cause illness and death.
IYCF is central to reducing the high risk of undernutrition during emergencies.
Safe, adequate, and appropriate complementary feeding, which significantly contributes to
prevention of undernutrition and mortality in children after 6 months, is often jeopardized during
emergencies and needs particular attention.

The Operational Guidance on Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (see Resources
Annex 1-11) contains 6 practical steps for IYCF actions in emergencies which should be planned as
a part of national IYCF strategy and emergency preparedness:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Endorse or develop policies.

Train staff.
Co-ordinate operations.
Assess and monitor.
Protect, promote and support optimal infant and young child feeding.
Minimize the risks of artificial feeding.

The major priority actions in emergencies are highlighted in the Chapter 3.5.2 of this programme
guidance and include the following areas:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.

Emergency preparedness and planning.

Protecting, restoring and supporting breastfeeding.
Preventing and handling donations of BMS and powdered milks.
Ensuring appropriate feeding for children with no possibility to be breastfed.
Ensuring availability and use of age appropriate complementary foods and
supplements.
Ensuring the integration of IYCF counselling with emergency programmes for
1
management of SAM ( ).

The three items in bold have been added or addressed in more detail in this document as compared with the Operational
Guidance. The Operational Guidance is due to be updated in 2011.

44

2.4.4 Prioritizing interventions

The situation analysis and policy framework form the basis for determining which components and
interventions the strategy should include. Interventions should be prioritized based on their ability to
reach the most vulnerable populations and/or have the greatest coverage. The package of
interventions should be comprehensive, including both breastfeeding and complementary feeding
interventions and be tailored to the country situation and context.

Prioritizing interventions to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding

The IYCF strategy needs to comprehensively address the protection, promotion and support of
breastfeeding in all countries. There is no single universal 'best' package of breastfeeding
interventions because of variations in the situation in different countries and settings. There are,
however, proven interventions in improving breastfeeding practices (see Chapter 1.5), and ways to
use specific country data, based on the situational assessment, to further inform the decision-making
process for selecting interventions that can make a difference.
In situations where formula manufacturers aggressively promote their products and legislation on the
marketing of breastmilk substitutes is absent or not enforced, interventions to address legal
frameworks for this legislation and strengthen its monitoring should be of highest priority.
Communication, community and health service interventions should counter the formula marketing
with strong protection of breastfeeding.
In contexts with a significant female workforce in the formal sector, there is a need to prioritize
interventions to improve workplace policies and practices related to breastfeeding, and to
implement practical counselling and support activities to help working mothers continue to breastfeed.
Improving maternity breastfeeding practices is important both for initiation of breastfeeding and for
establishment of correct infant feeding practices in general. However, improving maternity practices
through the BFHI process on a hospital-by-hospital implementation basis has generally been slow. In
the section on health system actions, concrete suggestions are made to accelerate and institutionalize
and accelerate this process. In countries where institutional delivery rates are high, interventions in
maternity facilities such as the BFHI may impact significantly the rates of early initiation of
breastfeeding and establish optimal feeding practices; therefore, they need to be highly prioritized.
Since maternities may only have limited impact on exclusive and continued breastfeeding after
discharge even in these countries, sustained support through primary health care (PHC) and
community-based services is required to ensure exclusive and continued breastfeeding. On the other
hand, in countries where institutional delivery rates are very low, community-based IYCF
interventions including strengthening of community-based newborn care and counselling on infant
feeding should be highly prioritized, although health system capacity development should still be
addressed as it sets an example of highly professional and quality services.
In settings with very weak health systems and low access and utilization of health services, in
parallel to strengthening health systems capacity for IYCF support and counselling, community level
actions and communication should be prioritized, particularly for ensuring equitable access. However,
even in such contexts with very weak health systems, IYCF actions in health facilities should still be
pursued, as health providers are often influential figures and the messages they provide should be
consistent with those disseminated at community level and through the communication strategy. In
addition, since the health providers are often the trainers and supervisors of community cadres, it is
important that their relevant capacities are developed.
In settings with strong health systems with high coverage the IYCF counselling and support
interventions in the health system should be prioritized at scale. IYCF services should be fully
integrated within the various platforms of health systems strengthening initiatives. Such countries or
settings within a country (e.g. urban areas) may not have community based structures and their
creation may not be warranted.
If formative research identifies major knowledge gaps or barriers that may have a big impact on
breastfeeding or complementary feeding practices, the priority interventions should include appropriate
communication and counselling to address these, and should be based on formative research

45

rather than generic messages about the benefits of optimal feeding practices. Channels and
techniques for communication and counselling should be selected based on their potential
effectiveness in reaching the target groups.

Prioritizing and selecting interventions to improve complementary feeding: Decision

Tree
Multiple interventions will be required for improving complementary feeding of children age 6-23
months. The impact of many interventions is context-specific, and depends on factors such as the food
security situation, complementary feeding practices, and the availability and affordability of quality local
foods.
As in breastfeeding, there is no single universal 'best' package of complementary feeding interventions
because of country and contextual variations. In all contexts both food secure and food insecure
situations - three core action areas are suggested. These include:
1. IYCF counselling and communication on optimal feeding and care practices
2. Optimal use of locally available foods
3. Strategies to improve availability and affordability of quality foods.
In addition, additional components should be chosen for the programme, both in contexts where
there is generalized food insecurity and where adequate local foods are available but supplementation
may be needed to fill in nutritional gaps of local diets in certain groups or areas. Improved
complementary feeding should be identified and prioritized based on the situational assessment and
as part of the process of translating the Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding (2003)
(Resources Annex 1-1) into a national IYCF strategy.
An example of a decision tree to guide selection of interventions at household level and supplements
for complementary feeding is shown in Figure 19. It should be noted that for each step of the
decision tree, prior assessments are needed. Additional factors may need to be considered
according to the local context.
Such a decision tree allows for prioritization of strategies and selection of interventions appropriate for
each local context. Since both food-secure and food-insecure populations may be present in a country
or within a certain region, programme strategies may also be different at sub-national level. For
example, a country may have universal coverage with IYCF counselling and then provide
supplementation in areas with dietary gaps that cannot be met with locally available foods. Different
strategies may be required for different populations in order to improve the quality of complementary
foods and improve feeding practices; however among all groups locally-available foods should be
exploited whenever possible and their use optimized through counseling and demonstration of
improved recipes.
The explanation in the following section provides a detailed overview of the process of analysis and
prioritization shown in the decision tree. (See also Chapter 2.2 on situation assessment and Chapter
2.4 on the counselling interventions in the health system and community and the complementary
feeding components of the IYCF strategy).

46

Figure 19: Example of a decision tree for population-based programmatic options for
improving nutrient quality of complementary foods and feeding practices in non-emergency
situations
This is a decision tree for population based public health approaches, not based on individual level screening. For all
contexts, counselling and education of mothers about optimal feeding and care practices and use of locally available foods
are essential, as well as strategies to improve availability and affordability of quality local foods (* see notes below for more
details). The decision tree would help with choosing additional components for the program, both in contexts where
adequate local foods are available but supplementation may be needed to fill in nutritional gaps of local diets in certain
groups or areas, or where there is generalized food insecurity. The examples of strategies and supplements are not
exhaustive.

Situation analysis (1-3):

1.
Food
security
situation

Household food security

adequate

2.
Complementary feeding
practices

3.
Availability
&
affordability
of foods

Macronutrient
requirements for 623m olds are met in
typical diet but
micronutrient gaps
present

Appropriate foods for

compl. feeding with
sufficient macronutrients &
micronutrients are
locally available &
affordable

Macronutrient &
micronutrient
requirements of 623m olds are not met
in typical diet

Appropriate foods for

compl. feeding with
sufficient macronutrients
are locally available &
affordable but with
inadequate micronutrients

a)
b)
c)

IYCF counseling and

communication
Increasing
availability
and
affordability of
quality food

Macronutrient & micronutrient

requirements of 6-23m olds
are not met in typical diet

Appropriate foods for compl.

feeding unavailable and/or
unaffordable. Inadequate
macronutrients & micronutrients
a limiting factor for child growth
& nutrition status

Limited, low quality

staple diet available

Interventions:
BOX 1:

Household food insecurity; or

severe poverty/deprivation; or
large disparities

BOX 2:
Multimicronutrient
supplements
(powders)
along with:
a) IYCF counseling and
communication
b) Increasing availability
and
c) affordability of quality
food

Virtually no suitable
staple diet available

staple diet

BOX 4:
Fortified
complementary
foods

along with:
a) IYCF counseling and
communication
b) Increasing availability
and
c) affordability of quality
food

along with:
a) IYCF counseling
and communication
b) Increasing
availability and
c) affordability of
quality food

BOX 3:
Lipid based nutrient
supplements to enrich

Notes on core interventions for all situations:

a) IYCF counselling related to complementary feeding addresses optimizing use of local foods according to the context
and specific nutrient gaps (use Linear Programming), e.g. adding amylase, emphasizing use of animal source foods,
micronutrient rich foods, developing and teaching improved recipes for complementary foods; problem-solving,
feeding, care & hygiene practices. Communication for behaviour & social change is based on evidence of barriers to
optimal complementary feeding and uses multiple channels.
b)

Strategies for increasing availability of quality foods: improving production, commercial and social marketing of
high-quality local foods, homestead production, animal husbandry, links with agriculture extension.

c)

Strategies for increasing affordability of high quality foods: vouchers/coupons, conditional cash transfers or
other social safety nets, or through free distribution.

47

Suggested decision making process using an example of the decision tree

Situation analysis
In order to be able to make evidence-based decisions regarding selection of best additional
interventions for improving complementary feeding, it is important to collect some information to
assess the prevailing situation with regard to feeding of children aged 6-23 months and complete
situation analysis. Some of required this information may already be available through ongoing data
collection mechanisms such as national surveillance systems and surveys. The completion of the
situation analysis requires three steps:
1. Food security situation
2. Complementary feeding practices
3. Assessment of availability and affordability of foods
1. Food security situation
This step will allow for classifying the population either as food secure or as food insecure. There will
be a need for assessment of food security situation, as well as acquire additional information for
further programming purposes. If possible, the food security situation in the population should be
assessed through first-hand data collection on various aspects of food security using evidence-based
methodologies. Most countries facing chronic food insecurity often already have national tools to
1
assess food insecurity which also can be used . In addition, often times data is available on proxy
measures of overall household income and multiple dimensions of deprivation which can be used to
assess the availability, accessibility and affordability of foods 2 (e.g. through household expenditure
surveys) [155]. Understanding the food-security situation in sub-groups of a population can also allow
for better targeting of programs based on factors such as socio-economic situation, % urban, %
mothers employed outside home, patterns of inequity (gender, income, geography, ethnicity), seasonal
hunger patterns, status of livelihoods in different groups, presence of post-emergency situations, etc.
As a result of the analysis, the target population or subgroups will be classified either as food
secure or as food insecure in the decision tree.

2. Complementary feeding practices

The second step (step 2), is based on information on an array of complementary feeding practices in
the target population, assess the typical diet and feeding practices, and allow for understanding the
micro- and macro-nutrient gaps in typical diets of children at 6-23 months. This could be acquired by
looking at an array of complementary feeding practices at population level, and also, conducing smallscale assessment of typical complementary feeding diets using available tools 3. In addition, it is helpful
to assess complementary foods which are fed to children age 6-24 months among different subpopulations (i.e. urban, rural, extremely poor, regional etc., as well as vitamin-mineral supplements or
industrially-processed fortified complementary foods used. This information will be useful at later
stages for assessing which interventions have the highest potential for success.
As a result of the analysis, the typical diets of children aged 6-23 months will be classified and
reflected in the decision tree as either meeting the macronutrient requirements but with
micronutrient gaps (in food secure situations), or as neither meeting macro nor micronutrient
requirements (in both food secure and food insecure situations).

Some useful guidance on measurement of food security can be found at http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/EFAN02013/.

Other tools include FEWSNET, WFPs Vulnerability Analysis Mapping (VAM), FAOs Food and Crop Assessment, new
questions on food security in the DHS (pioneered in Latin America and applied in Brazil) and national systems, such as the
Vulnerability Assessment Committees in Southern Africa. See Resources Annex 1-3.
2
It should be noted that measurement of food insecurity is challenging, and different methods for assessments and cut-offs can
be used that will make a significant difference in the number and composition of the target population. Note that this decision
tree attempts to distinguish population level categories of food-secure versus food-insecure, a decision which may not
necessarily call for individual level screening of food security or nutrition status. Therefore, using overall measures of
poverty/deprivation for which data is available at country level can still serve the purpose.
3
For more information, go to Chapter 2.2.4. (ProPAN)

48

3. Availability and affordability of local foods

The third step (step 3) suggests assessment of availability and affordability of local foods. At this
stage, it is important to look at data regarding available foods in the community, their nutritional
content, and their acceptability as infant foods. In many instances, there are foods of good quality that
are available locally but not given to young children for various reasons. This level of the decision tree
attempts to identify the potential of local foods to improve quality of diet of children at 6-24 months.
Particular foods groups that need to be assessed for their availability and affordability (including
subsistence agriculture and market) include basic staples, micronutrient-dense or fortified foods, fruits
and vegetables, animal source foods, protein and fat sources.
In the decision tree, the local foods will be classified as:
- Available and affordable to meet both macro and micronutrient needs.
- Available and affordable to meet macronutrient, but not micronutrient needs.
- Not available and/or affordable for both macro and micronutrients.

Following all three steps of the situation analysis, and based on results of categorization, various
options for interventions (Boxes 1-4) are suggested in the decision tree.

Interventions
It is important to emphasize that even though there will be different options in the decision tree
(Boxes 1-4) for necessity of additional foods to supplement local diets, there are two major
interventions (a, b, c) that need to be prioritized in all cases. Therefore all three interventions
appear in all boxes along with context-specific additional solutions.

a) IYCF counselling and communication

An important element in all intervention options is counselling on best practices and problem-solving
for care-givers for improving complementary feeding practices. Evidence shows that mothers are
willing to prepare complementary foods if they are culturally acceptable, and that improving maternal
knowledge and feeding practices can lead to increased dietary intake and growth of infants. The
Guiding Principles for Complementary Feeding of the Breastfed Child (2003) [156] were developed in
order to unify messages given to caregivers regarding appropriate complementary feeding practices,
worldwide.
Ten guiding principles address preparation, content, and adequate storage of
complementary foods, as well as behavioural aspects of feeding (such as responsive feeding).
Counselling to improve feeding practices of caregivers should be guided by these principles, as well as
the Guiding Principles for Feeding of Non-Breastfed Children [157] Global Strategy for Infant and
Young Child Feeding, and other relevant documents. These principles need to be translated into
appropriate messages and counselling tools in order to result in behaviour change. It has been shown
that general, generic messages such as give your child a variety of foods may not have a significant
impact on child feeding practices, whereas a more specific message e.g. give your child eggs three
times a week) can have a much higher impact.
Educational messages can be improved by integrating viewpoints and suggestions of mothers and
caretakers into the decision-making process. Increasing counselling opportunities (through multiple
th
channels and at regular intervals, especially in critical times such as around the 6 month of age when
the introduction of complementary feeding can pose many challenges) can also lead to further
improvements in knowledge and practices.
b) Strategies for increasing availability of quality foods
Another aspect of improving complementary feeding is related to the overall access of the household
to quality foods for children. Inadequate nutrient content of complementary foods may be related to the
fact that local complementary foods are predominantly plant-based and thus often both low in both
macro and micronutrients and high in anti-nutritive factors. Including small amounts of animal source
foods (ASF) can help increase absorption of zinc and iron in addition to improving the overall quality of

49

the diet. Assistance for home gardening, raising poultry, and animal husbandry can increase
availability of high-quality ingredients for complementary feeding among the rural poor.
Linear programming is one tool that can be used for development of least-cost complementary foods.
Linear programming requires the input of accurate nutrient content estimates of foods and adjustment
for factors such as bioavailability, and absorption rate of nutrients.
Linkage to agriculture can prove to be effective in improving the access of these households to better
food options. Traditional techniques at the household level such as dehulling, peeling, soaking,
germination, fermentation and drying can improve nutritional content of local foods, though these
techniques by themselves may still not result in sufficient amounts of bioavailable iron.
When local foods are not adequate to meet the micro and macronutrient requirements of children, the
role of industry in producing high quality complementary foods should be assessed. Availability of
industrially-processed fortified complementary foods marketed to young children should be evaluated.
A list of these foods and their nutrient content assessed for adequacy as foods for children 6-23
months can be made. Accessibility of these foods among different sub-populations (including urban,
rural, and extremely poor populations) should be assessed.
c) Strategies for increasing affordability of quality foods
Inability to afford adequate quality foods suitable for children 6-23 months is a major limiting factor in
the diets of children in many communities, particularly the lowest income quintiles and the most
disadvantaged and deprived groups. These groups are found in both rural and urban settings. The
urban poor may have specific vulnerabilities since they generally have a greater dependence on cash
income for purchases, greater participation of women in the work force, and a greater number of
women heading households as compared to the rural poor. This often poses greater time constraints
for caregivers and increases tendency to use processed foods. However many of these foods are of
low quality. As discussed above, strategies to improve access of these households to better food
options need to be addressed, such as vouchers, coupons, and linking with social protection
programmes.
Improving complementary feeding where households are food secure (Boxes 1 & 2 in Decision
Tree)
Even when households are not facing challenges of food insecurity, there are many challenges
in providing optimal complementary feeding to children, therefore, one should not assume that even if
the food is available, appropriate complementary feeding would happen automatically.
In food-secure settings where local foods appropriate for complementary feeding with
sufficient macro and micronutrients are available and affordable but not necessarily given to
children, the focus should be on improving complementary feeding practices. The main strategy
should be to improve practices by optimizing approaches to use locally available and acceptable
foods. Identification of such foods should be prioritized so that key findings can be incorporated into
nutrition education and counseling. The three main interventions described above a) counseling &
communication, b) improving availability of local foods and c) improving affordability should
be applied but no additional intervention is needed, as shown in Box 1 in the Decision Tree.
In food-secure settings where local foods appropriate for complementary feeding with
sufficient macronutrients are available and affordable but lack micronutrients, the focus should
be on improving complementary feeding with additional micronutrient supplementation. The
role of in-home supplementation of complementary foods among different populations (i.e. rural vs.
urban) with multiple micronutrient powders should be explored. Selection of best additional options
needs to be based on assessment of local situation and gaps, as explained later here. Use of
supplements, such as vitamin-mineral powders or tablets, can improve the nutritional quality of local
CF at a low cost. Widespread use of supplements will require social marketing and/or distribution to
families in need. These products may be especially useful in rural areas where access to industriallyprocessed fortified complementary foods is limited. The three main interventions described above a)
counseling/communication, b) improving availability of local foods and c) improving
affordability should be applied together with multiple micronutrient supplementation, as shown
in Box 2 in the Decision Tree.

50

Complementary feeding in the face of household food insecurity (Boxes 3 & 4 in Decision Tree)
The availability, accessibility and affordability of high quality foods for children are key factors in
determining the capacity of caregivers to provide optimal complementary feeding to children.
Therefore, in food-insecure situation, the typical diet is usually not able to meet the nutritional needs of
children. The inability to meet the dietary requirements may be transient, e.g. during normal or
abnormal seasonal hunger patterns, during the recovery phase following an emergency or as a result
of sudden food price increases. In such situations provision of supplements may be considered as a
short-term temporary measure.
In food insecure settings where local foods appropriate for complementary feeding with
sufficient macro and micronutrients are unavailable and unaffordable, but a limited, low quality
staple diet is available, the focus could be on improving complementary feeding with additional
provision of quality foods such as lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) and similar
products. Widespread use of supplements will require social marketing and/or distribution to families
in need. These products may be especially useful in rural areas where access to industriallyprocessed fortified complementary food is limited, or under special circumstances such as during
hunger season, in refugee settings or in HIV context. The three main interventions described above
counselling/communication, improving availability of local foods and improving affordability
should be applied along with the supplements, as shown in Box 3 in the Decision Tree.
In food insecure settings where local foods appropriate for complementary feeding with
sufficient macro and micronutrients are unavailable and unaffordable, and staple diet is scarce
and of low nutritional quality, the focus could be on improving complementary feeding with
additional provision of industrially-processed fortified complementary foods. Such foods have
been developed for improved complementary feeding in many countries [158]. In addition, fortified
blended or ready to use foods have been typically used in food assistance programmes in
emergencies and situations of acute food insecurity. The three main interventions described above
a) counselling/communication, b) improving availability of local foods and c) improving
affordability should be applied together with provision of industrially processed fortified
complementary foods as shown in Box 4 in the Decision Tree.

2.5 Using additional opportunities for integration of IYCF

Development, planning and implementation of national IYCF strategy
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7

Advocacy, partnerships and coordination

Situation assessment
Developing national IYCF policy
Developing a comprehensive IYCF strategy; identifying and prioritizing IYCF interventions
Using additional opportunities for integration
Developing national and sub-national plans of action and mobilizing resources
Implementing, monitoring, reviewing and evaluating

In addition to developing IYCF strategy and designing relevant interventions, other programmes
targeting women and young children should be used as entry points to incorporate key elements of
IYCF, and the use of existing contacts should be maximized to implement IYCF actions. This will help
in achieving high coverage of interventions, multiplying resources and avoiding duplication, thus
saving time and resources and enabling more people to be reached. At the same time, IYCF should
not be implemented only through integration leaving out components which have to be implemented
separately, as has been observed in some cases.
Examples of interventions and entry points for integration within the health system include:

Maternal and neo-natal health programmes: the contacts of ante-natal care, maternity care,
postnatal/newborn care and family planning all provide opportunities to counsel and support
women on IYCF. All relevant trainings should include infant feeding counselling as one of the
mandatory training modules. Staff with training on lactation management/breastfeeding

51

counselling should be one of the core requirements for quality maternity services, along with
compliance with the Ten Steps.

Child health programmes in the health system: the contact points of routine immunization,
IMCI or other facility-based child illness treatment programmes, growth monitoring and promotion
(GMP) and child health days are all entry points for IYCF. A structure needs to be institutionalized
that both requires and enables health workers to conduct IYCF assessment and counselling
activities as a standard, routine part of their daily work (see page 47 for a detailed table of the
health system contacts relevant to IYCF and suggested services at each contact).

Inpatient and outpatient/community-based management of

severe acute malnutrition (CMAM). In many countries CMAM is
leading the way in terms of scaling up nutrition activities, and
represents a very important entry point for IYCF actions. IYCF and
CMAM should be conceptualized and planned as two integral parts of
a single programme to prevent and treat undernutrition, not as two
completely separate programmes, as is still the case in some
countries. In other countries, CMAM is operating while community
IYCF interventions have not even been initiated. This means that the
programmes will continuously deal with costly interventions to
address the serious consequences of inadequate infant feeding
practices while they could significantly reduce undernutrition if infant
feeding at community level was highly was prioritized. Thus, the
design, planning, training, community mobilization, health worker and
community worker activities and supervision structures should address both CMAM and IYCF in
one single package. Specific resources are available for integrating IYCF into CMAM, such as the
IASC/ENN module (see Resources Annex 1-11), but national tools and materials, including
national adaptations of the UNICEF C-IYCF Counselling Package (Resources Annex 1-8) can also
be used: the important principle is to ensure that IYCF and CMAM are considered two related
aspects of the same strategy for preventing and managing undernutrition.

Community-based health and/or nutrition programmes: A myriad of community health and/or

nutrition programmes exist in many countries. In some cases there are no standardized tools and
approaches, while in others a national cadre of community workers exists. These programmes
represent important entry points for IYCF counselling, communication and mother support groups.

Community case management (CCM) of common childhood illnesses: CCM is being pursued to
address malaria, diarrhoea and pneumonia in many countries. Optimal breastfeeding practices are
essential to the reduction of diarrhoea and pneumonia, and CCM programmes have much to gain
from appropriate attention to IYCF activities. IYCF counselling training could be implemented as
an integral element of CCM programmes.

PMTCT and paediatric AIDS treatment: PMTCT is intimately related to infant feeding, and
PMTCT programmes represent an important entry point for IYCF. Several countries have made
significant progress in scaling up IYCF (e.g. Zambia, Kenya) through PMTCT programmes, and
have shown significant results in terms of increased exclusive breastfeeding rates. The infant
feeding component has often proven to be a challenging area within PMTCT programmes,
sometimes not very well addressed, but there are important lessons learnt that can be used to
overcome some of the constraints and design and plan the IYCF component within PMTCT more
effectively.

Early childhood development programs provide an excellent opportunity for integration of

interventions for infant and young child nutrition. ECD and IYCF interventions both emphasize the
importance of early interventions, behaviour changes and education and counselling of mothers
and caregivers for optimal practices. Parenting education classes can combine ECD and IYCF
message for higher impact both on nutrition and care practices. At the community level, the same
workers counselling mothers on nutrition issues can ensure adequate emphasis on care and
psychosocial development. The Care for Development Module (Resources Annex 1-7)
developed by UNICEF and WHO is a recommended tool for such programming. It has a parallel
nutrition module which can be operationalized together with the care module as part of the same
programme.

52

A potential entry point is the Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) initiative implemented by
the WASH programme, which uses participatory approaches to generate understanding on
pathways to contamination of food and water and mobilizes communities to improve handwashing
practices and use of latrines. It uses motivators of shame and disgust as well as pride in adopting
new practices. This could potentially be a powerful incentive to move away from the practice of
giving water and food to babies less than six months old, highlight vulnerability of small babies to
contamination, and promote safe preparation of complementary foods.

Social protection programmes can provide an entry point to reach mothers and caregivers in
vulnerable households, increase the availability of affordable and high quality foods and influence
their feeding and care practices. Various interventions, including provision of micro-credit, food
supplementation, food vouchers, subsidies, conditional cash transfers etc. can be assessed within
the context of each country and integrated with IYCF services for specific target groups. Effective
mechanisms are needed to link IYCF counselling to the receipt of these social benefits.

Programmes for improved access to local food can also provide an entry point to reach
mothers and caregivers in vulnerable households and influence their feeding and care practices.
Delivery gaps for high impact nutrition interventions for children under-two may be best filled by
cross-sectoral approaches that integrate IYCF, nutrition and public health with agriculture
programmes, including animal husbandry, home gardening, agricultural extension etc.

2.6 Developing national & sub-national IYCF plans of action and

mobilizing resources
Development, planning and implementation of national IYCF strategy
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7

Advocacy, partnerships and coordination

Situation assessment
Developing national IYCF policy
Developing a comprehensive IYCF strategy; identifying and prioritizing IYCF interventions
Using additional opportunities for integration
Developing national and sub-national plans of action and mobilizing resources
Implementing, monitoring, reviewing and evaluating

2.6.1 Developing national & sub-national plans

Based on the national IYCF strategy, a national plan with projected costing over a defined period
should be developed. The plan should encompass all the interventions necessary to achieve results
for both optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding of children under two years. The plan
should also adequately reflect supervision and monitoring activities at all levels.
As with the development of the national strategy, development of a national, multi-year plan for IYCF
will help to focus and guide the actors who are accountable for the implementation of the plan at the
local level. This will also include a provincial or district level planning, possibly using templates with the
types of activities for inclusion in integrated district plan, which can then be tailored to the local
situation.
Similarly, the health facility and
community plans can be derived from the district
Box 10: Definitions of terms used in this
guidance: national IYCF plans
plans.
While a national IYCF-specific plan is helpful, it is
very important to ensure that all IYCF activities
are fully integrated in the plans and budgets for
relevant systems and sectors at national and subnational levels, including the plans for health,
education, social protection, agriculture, and
other relevant sectors as applicable. This will help
in creating greater institutionalization of IYCF
within the health system and other sectors.

The IYCF national plan operationalizes the strategy

and may be a multi-year plan. It helps to guide and
focus annual IYCF planning, in which the IYCF
activities are usually integrated within national and
sub-national sectoral plans A strategy may be more
narrative while a plan is often finalized in matrix
format indicating targets, actions, responsible party,
budget and in many cases the source of funding. A
microplan helps to detail the activities and inputs at
the lowest administrative level.

53

Ensuring strong links across all levels, as well as adopting harmonized curricula, materials and
messages are crucial. Figure 20 represents graphically the different levels, stakeholders and
components of a comprehensive IYCF strategy, with key actions at each level and the importance of
strong links and harmonization across all levels.

54

Figure 20: IYCF stakeholders, components and actions with strong links across all levels

Levels

Key Interventions & Actions

Stakeholders

INDIVIDUAL/

Mothers, fathers, other caregivers, family members

HOUSEHOLD

COMMUNITY

CBOs, community leaders, womens groups,

schools, civic groups, religious and traditional
leaders, community health workers/lay counsellors,
Secondary
participants
mother support groups,
local and
community media

HEALTH FACILITY

SUB-NATIONAL
(STATE, DISTRICT)

NATIONAL

Health workers
(public and private faith-based)
Local Govt.,
district MOH team, NGOs,
hospital admin.
Policy makers,
planners, programme
managers,
development
partners,
mass media,
academia,
private
sector
donors

Health and social welfare care-seeking;

participation in communication & social
marketing activities; practice of appropriate
feeding and care behaviours; creating
supportive environment for mothers and infants;
IYCF counselling; mother support groups; social
mobilization; BCC activities through multiple
channels; creating supportive environment for
mothers and infants; collecting monitoring data

IYCF counselling and support at all relevant health

system contacts; 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding in
all maternities; social mobilization and communication
for behaviour and social change; supportive supervision
of community cadres; distribution of supplements for CF;
compilation & analysis of health facility and community
IYCF data; Code monitoring
Local-level advocacy for resource allocation; policy
implementation; local micro-planning; training; supervision of
major health facilities; collect, analyze and use monitoring data;
facilitate Code monitoring

Advocacy; consistent and updated national IYCF policies, legislation,

strategies and guidelines; national planning; resource mobilization &
allocation, implementation oversight; accountability; linking with other
sectors incl. social protection, agriculture; design & execution of
emergency preparedness & response for IYCF; training curricula and
materials; supportive supervision to sub-national level (e.g. province);
compilation and analysis of all provincial M&E data on IYCF

Coordinating & Harmonizing Across Levels

55

The microplanning model of the EPI programme is an example of the useful tool for developing
local IYCF plans and should be adapted and tailored to IYCF. As with EPI, multiple contacts are
required to deliver tailored IYCF counselling topics through the life-cycle to a pre-determined
group of pregnant women and caregivers of children under 2, along with various training activities
and regular supervision. Therefore, the EPI and similar types of tools can be used to reflect, by
the lowest applicable administrative level (e.g. the district health authority), activities such as
training of health providers and community workers, creation of mother support groups,
communication, supervision and monitoring, the supplies required etc. The health facility and
community levels could also develop their own micro-plans, using the model for immunization
services. Planning of supplies will be applicable if supplements for complementary feeding are
provided. The EPI budget tools can also be adapted to local-level budgeting for IYCF. (See
Resources Annex 1-1 for a sample of micro-planning format for the Reaching Every District
(RED) strategy for immunization).

2.6.2 Mobilizing resources and partners

The main challenge in IYCF programme design is to take interventions to scale. In particular, as
a part of overall national strategy, community-based programmes need to be taken out of piloting
mode and small projects into mainstream public and primary health service provision. Countrylevel partnerships need to ensure that the supported elements of country programmes are
interlinked and synergistic, including assessment, national institutional and human capacity
building, community level support, communication, supporting supervision, and other
components, to allow reaching national objectives and goals.
The costing for the multi-year and annual plans will be an important step to ensure that adequate
commitments from the Government and partners are identified, and relevant resources mobilized.
It is often stated or observed that mobilization of resources for IYCF in a difficult task. This may
possibly be due to IYCF focus on interventions such as counselling and behaviour change which
require a longer-term process and comprehensive efforts, as opposed to a single, vertical, more
visible service or product-driven approach. Another possible reason is that in some cases years
of implementation of ineffective and poorly designed and targeted interventions has not produced
results, which may have discouraged investment in IYCF. Therefore, concerted advocacy
efforts, highlighting the evidence on the proven efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the
interventions, along with well-designed and planned IYCF programmes by the Government
and partners should be of high priority. Further, there is a need to ensure that IYCF is included as
an essential component of existing programmes - e.g. management of SAM, HIV and AIDS,
maternal and child health, community case management (CCM) of childhood illnesses
programmes, social protection schemes, etc., as well as nutrition and achievement of MDG goals
in general.
Given the fact that food insecurity in many countries impacts even the best efforts to improve
complementary feeding, additional attention should be given to mobilizing resources and partners
who work in the area of food security. In areas with high prevalence of food insecurity,
complementary feeding interventions that include provision of additional foods or supplements, or
strategies to increase households own production, not only support for improved practices, have
a much higher potential to be effective.
Nutrition planners may have to work closely with the government in designing social security or
social protection schemes, and find private sector partners who are willing to make high quality
products more accessible and affordable. Especially in countries with higher levels of inequality,
improving complementary feeding for different sub-populations (i.e. rural, urban, very poor,
specific underprivileged regions, etc.) at times additional or different interventions are required,
and partners should determine their responsibilities among these groups based on their
organizational objectives, geographical coverage and skill set.
There are many partners able to play a meaningful role in IYCF. These include government
ministries, multilateral agencies, international and national NGOs, community networks (religious
authorities, community leaders, and womens groups), donors, private health care providers and

56

academic institutions. NGOs play a key role in supporting district community-based actions as
part of this national plan.
The mapping of all potential partners may precede the setting up of programmes for IYCF or take
place when trying to move from small-scale or initial implementation to a Government-managed,
more widespread approach. In both cases it is important to take into account that involvement of
partners in implementing a comprehensive IYCF strategy should not be a top-down, one-size-fitsall approach though the basic policies and strategies are fixed. The way the approach is
implemented and managed must be fitted to the context and the managing body (e.g. MOH or
NGOs).
A review of existing capacities for IYCF both within the health system, NGO and other partners
should be undertaken in order to position and design a comprehensive approach to IYCF in the
country while providing appropriate support, including health systems strengthening. Capacity
mapping allows the identification of gaps and system weaknesses that will need to be addressed
to ensure success by both national and international partners. Capacity gap analysis includes
assessing institutional and human resources capacities, identifying capacity deficits and leads to
the development of a strategy to address them.

2.7 Implementing, monitoring, reviewing and evaluating

Development, planning and implementation of national IYCF strategy
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7

Advocacy, partnerships and coordination

Situation assessment
Developing national IYCF policy
Developing a comprehensive IYCF strategy; identifying and prioritizing IYCF interventions
Using additional opportunities for integration
Developing national and sub-national plans of action and mobilizing resources
Implementing, monitoring, reviewing and evaluating

Implementing and monitoring

Well-coordinated implementation of the plans, with resources made available in a timely manner,
and quality control of the overall implementation process are key to achieving the objectives of
the strategy. In many scenarios, well-designed programmes or plans do not eventually reach the
expected results due to difficulties related to implementation capacities, lack of sustained and
consistent resources or poor local management, organization, and quality control of activities.
The quality and end-result of each activity are important issues in ensuring that interventions
achieve their full potential of improving IYCF situation.
Quality monitoring alerts managers to
actual and potential weaknesses,
problems and shortcomings so that
timely adjustments and corrective
actions can be made to improve the
programme design, work plan and
IYCF implementation strategy and
action plan. It will also determine
whether various components of the
IYCF strategy have been successfully
integrated into national IYCF policy,
planning, and action, as well as
increase accountability of stakeholders
and partners. To facilitate measuring
implementation progress, a monitoring

Box 11: Definitions of terms used in this guidance:

IYCF programme
An IYCF programme is a sum of time-bound activities,
budgets and other resources aiming to produce specific
outputs towards reaching the goals defined in an
overarching strategy. In some countries there may be a
national IYCF programme under the leadership and
ownership of the Government. However, a Government
may not refer to vertical programmes but rather sectorwide approaches in which IYCF actions are integrated; or
the Government may not have conceptualized and
developed a specific IYCF programme at all, and there
may only be small projects or implementation of selected
components. At the same time individual partners may
also refer to their respective IYCF programmes, which
support and contribute to the national effort.

57

plan should be developed with clear and measureable targets and indicators (see examples of
process indicators in Table 1).
At each service delivery level (community worker/health post, health facility, hospital), the lowest
administrative level (e.g. district health authority), the provincial/regional/state level and the
national level, simple tools can be used to facilitate and monitor implementation against annual
targets for the numbers of caregivers and children reached, similar to the approach for monitoring
progress for immunization or ante-natal care.
Graphic representation can be used at different levels, for example adapted from the
monitoring chart for health facility monitoring of immunization (see Annex 2 for a possible layout
for tracking IYCF counselling adapted from the immunization chart, and see also Step 7/pages
30-31 of the Reaching Every District (RED) microplanning guide, Resources Annex 1-1) or using
a simple bar graph to record cumulative numbers of children and caregivers reached with
counselling. While planning for IYCF counselling integrated in MCH services, it will be important
to have the same target numbers of women for IYCF counselling as for ante-natal care and the
same target numbers of children under one year old as for immunization. This will help to ensure
that the provision of IYCF counselling is well integrated and ingrained in the day to day
monitoring of activities of a health facility. This should be the minimum target of contacts for
IYCF, and there may of course be more counselling and monitoring opportunities at other
contacts, e.g. regular growth monitoring sessions, MUAC screening or contacts for treatment of
illnesses, all of which should be tallied and reflected on the monitoring chart.
The use of simple tally sheets can also be adapted for IYCF counselling activities at the health
facility and community levels, on which each counselling session, regardless of which contact it is
delivered through, can be recorded and the tallies aggregated on a monthly reporting form or
electronic system. Innovative tools such as RapidSMS using cellphone technology might also be
applied to monitoring of IYCF services. The attendance at group communication sessions can
also be tallied.
Antenatal care cards and child health cards should be adapted to include IYCF counselling
contacts, which will help to ensure counselling becomes one of the activities not only routinely
conducted and recorded, but also monitored, and also helps to verify information during surveys.
The minimum number of counselling sessions to be monitored should be linked to attendance at
ANC, EPI and vitamin A supplementation, but there could also room to undertake and monitor
additional contacts and counselling sessions, for example if the child came for IMCI, CMAM, ART
or other services and received IYCF counselling.
In addition, the execution of training plans need to be closely monitored to ensure the planned
number of training sessions took place, follow up visits were undertaken and target supportive
supervision was implemented.
Tools for the monitoring of IYCF activities and performance should be incorporated in the
standard monitoring frameworks for health facilities and services. Countries may create their
own, tailored tools, or may adapt existing tools. For example, supervision tools contained in the
UNICEF generic community IYCF counselling package (see Chapter 3.3) could be adapted to
become an integral part of monitoring checklists and guides for different levels of the health
1
system .
While tools are available, there are routinely large gaps in routine monitoring and supervision that
need to be addressed at the planning stage. Therefore, effective monitoring needs adequate
planning, baseline data, indicators of performance, and results as well as practical
implementation mechanisms that include field visits, stakeholder meetings, documentation of
project activities, regular reporting, formal reviews, effective feedback and follow up.
It is also important to integrate key IYCF programme indicators within the existing Health
Management and Information System (HMIS) and ensure quality data collection and analysis at
all levels.
1

Note that the WHO/UNICEF IYCF counselling course for health providers does not contain supervision tools

58

Development of the monitoring plans should

be done at the time of designing and planning
interventions, along with programme review
and evaluation plans, and adopted as an MEP
(Monitoring and Evaluation Plan) before
implementation starts. The multi-year and
annual MEPs should include at minimum:

Box 12: Definition of monitoring used in this

guidance
Monitoring, review and evaluation are
frequently used interchangeably; however, they
represent different stages of the planning
cycle. Monitoring, review and evaluation are
critical in public health programmes, but they
have different purposes and procedures.

a. Routine monitoring of programme inputs

and outputs (including process indicators)
Programme monitoring measures progress in
through a monitoring and information
achieving specific results in relation to an
system, focusing on a few key indicators
implementation plan, whether for programmes,
strategies, or activities. It is core accountability
which are feasible to collect and will be
for effective work planning and review.
useful to the programme;
Monitoring is an on-going programmed activity
b. Programme review and evaluation,
which helps to orient required adjustments at
including outcome indicators such as the
any stage of the cycle; thus, it is a managerial
standard IYCF indicators, as well as
tool.
behavioural
indicators
related
to
From UNICEF Programme, Policy and Procedures
communication and counselling messages
(PPP) manual)
(see the chapter on Communication
(Chapter 3.4) for more details on monitoring of behavioural and social indicators).
Periodic review of progress against the micro-plans at the local level and against the national
level plans (aggregate of the local progress) is important to ensure that implementation is on
track, and to target coordinated support for programme components or districts/provinces which
face bottlenecks and are not on track. This periodic review can be one of the agenda items of the
IYCF coordination structures meetings at the different levels.
Regular review meetings between at the national and sub-national level are required to assess
the progress made in implementation and adjust the plan of action as required.

Assessment of programme outcomes and impact

Assessment of the outcomes (see examples in Table 1) and the impact of the national
programme for improved IYCF will provide data on feeding practices and nutrition status that can
be used to determine progress towards the national objectives and targets and to revise and
improve the IYCF action plan. Large household surveys such as DHS and MICS provide an
opportunity for data on IYCF using the updated IYCF indicators. Additionally, national and subnational nutrition and other relevant surveys need to be used for acquiring a comprehensive data.
Many countries conduct SMART surveys (Resources Annex 1-4), where at minimum the
exclusive breastfeeding indicator can be added to these surveys.
Lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) can be used to monitor outcomes in terms of some of the
key IYCF practices. This methodology involves a short questionnaire that can be administered to
caregivers during supervisory visits, and is simple, easy to use and less costly than household
surveys (see the manual developed by Linkages in Resources Annex 1-4)
It is recommended to use the recently revised Indicators for Assessing Infant and Young
Child Feeding Practices (2008) (Resources Annex 1-4) for measuring the progress related to
recommended practices. Additional analysis of existing data may be conducted to understand the
determinants of disparities in practices (for example maternal education, socio-economic status,
geographic and ethnic factors, etc.) and feeding practices in particular contexts.

Programme review and evaluation

IYCF strategy implementation should be reviewed on an annual basis to assess whether the
annual plans have been implemented as per the targets set for the year. This can be part of the
integrated annual programme reviews of the health sector and other sectors as applicable,
ensuring that the IYCF activities are adequately reflected. The IYCF assessment matrix can be

59

used as a tool to periodically update

the situation regarding the scope and
scale of IYCF programs in the country.
It is also recommended to undertake
more in-depth periodic reviews
and/or evaluations (both internal
and external), depending on the
context,
to
assess
whether
implementation of the components
and interventions is on track as per
the benchmarks for quality and
quantitative progress defined at the
start of the programme. This will allow
building new and re-visiting strategies
and on-going interventions and
actions based on lessons learned.
Each country will need to determine its
own
periodicity for
programme
reviews; however, the maximum
recommended is five years.

Box 13: Definition of programme review and evaluation

used in this guidance
A programme review is defined as the periodic or ad hoc
often rapid assessment of the performance of an
undertaking that does not apply the more in-depth process
of evaluation. Reviews tend to emphasize operational
issues.
Programme Evaluation is an exercise that attempts to
determine as systematically and objectively as possible
the worth or significance of an IYCF intervention,
strategy or policy. It requires a careful prior and specific
design, is usually done after an initial period, at the end
of the activities or after certain period of
implementation. It is an important source of evidence of
the performance/quality and effectiveness of a policy,
strategy, programme, intervention project, activity,
topic, theme, sector, operational area, institution etc.;
of whether results have been achieved, either
according to their outcomes (programme results) or
impacts (health and nutrition results).It has to be
credible and synthesize the perspectives of all IYCF
stakeholders

From UNICEF Programme, Policy and Procedures (PPP) manual)

As an important aspect of programme
reviews/evaluations, it is important to
document the best practices and approaches in programming, [159] for example for situation
1
assessment, programme design and implementation.

An example of a recent in-depth IYCF programme review is the Infant and Young Child Feeding
Programme Review: Consolidated Report of Six-Country Review of Breastfeeding Programmes
commissioned by UNICEF in 2008 and conducted in Bangladesh, Benin, the Philippines, Sri
Lanka, Uganda and Uzbekistan [160]. The report contains a series of questions which were used
to guide this review. The document Infant and Young Child Feeding: A tool for assessing
national practices, policies and programmes (Resources Annex 1-1) also contains some
checklists for assessing the status of programmes, which can be adapted to the country situation.

Indicators for monitoring and evaluation

Examples of different indicator levels: output or process indicators, outcome indicators and
impact indicators, for monitoring, review and evaluation, are shown in Table 1 (see also the
suggested indicators for communication on IYCF, Chapter 3.4.6)

At minimum a best practice must: 1) demonstrate evidence of success; 2) affect something important and, 3) have the
potential to be replicated or adopted to other settings. Given the shifting definition of what is best, there is an increasing
preference to talk about good practices or promising practices or lessons learned as well as success stories

60

Table 1: Examples of different indicator levels used in IYCF programming

Output (process) Indicators

National Level:

Full-provision law on Code endorsed, enforced, and monitoring activities implemented

Maternity protection legislation in place
Comprehensive, up to date IYCF policy endorsed
Comprehensive, multi-sectoral IYCF strategy in place
IYCF multi-sectoral national action plan in place, with relevant costs and responsibilities of stakeholders
National adaptation of 2010 WHO HIV and IF policy endorsed
Pre-service curricula (medical, nursing, etc.) includes updated, comprehensive IYCF content
In-service curricula reflects integrated IYCF counselling and the updated HIV and IF policy
IYCF reflected in emergency preparedness and response plan
CHW policy and curricula include IYCF counselling

Cross-sectoral:
Policy
National multi-sectoral infant and young child feeding committee is present
National IYCF committee includes members from the M. Agriculture, Finance, social services, education,
and other relevant sectors
PRSPs include nutrition
Food security policy includes nutrition interventions for families 0-24 months children
% government budget for nutrition out of the total health budget and total government budget
Social protection programs include child nutrition component/conditions
Agriculture extension programs include nutrition education component
Agriculture extension programs include homestead food production component
Agriculture extension programs include support of animal source production
Implementation
# and % of children under 2 reached with social protection scheme (incl. cash transfers) with child nutrition
component
% of districts/lowest local administrative area with homestead gardening programmes focused on
production of a variety of vegetables and fruits
% of districts/lowest local administrative area with small animal/fowl husbandry programmes
% of districts/lowest local administrative area with agriculture/food security programmes focused on
production of high quality foods with a child nutrition focus or education component
% of schools with child nutrition in curriculum
% of planned Code monitoring activities implemented

Health System Level:

Routine monitoring:
% of districts with multi-sectoral micro-plans for IYCF activities
# and % of hospitals that are certified baby-friendly within last 5 years
# and % of hospitals implementing the 6 priority steps for successful breastfeeding (1,3, and 6-9)
# and % of health workers trained on integrated IYCF counselling
# and % of health facilities with at least one HW trained on IYCF counselling
% of planned monitoring/supportive supervision visits for IYCF trained health workers undertaken
# and % of mothers who received IYCF counselling during ANC at least once
% of total target number of children <2 who received IYCF counselling, including:
o # and % who received infant feeding counselling during the ante-natal period
o # and % who received breastfeeding counselling and support during the neo-natal period
o # and % of children < 6m who received IYCF counselling
o # and % of children 6-23m who received IYCF counselling
Health facility or other survey, exit interviews:
% of health facilities with workers trained on IYCF who report conducting IYCF counselling
% of health workers trained on IYCF who used at least 4 out of 6 counselling skills during individual
counselling
% of trained health workers who used at least 3 out of 4 communication skills during group sessions
% of caregivers of children <2 who reported receiving at least one individual IYCF counselling session in
the last xx months.
% of caregivers of children <2 who reported receiving at least one group education session on IYCF

61

in the last xx months

% of caregivers of children <2 who were able to correctly state at least 3 essential breastfeeding
practices
% of caregivers of children <2 who were able to correctly state at least 3 essential CF practices
% health facilities with IYCF indicators reported as part of routine monitoring mechanisms (HMIS,
PMTCT< etc.)

Community level:
Routine monitoring:
# and % of community workers (CWs) trained on IYCF counselling and support
% of planned supportive supervision visits for IYCF trained CWs undertaken
# and % of local administration areas (sub-district) with trained CWs conducting planned activities
# and % of local administration areas (sub-district) with mother support groups meeting/conducting
activities
at least once per month
1
HH surveys/rapid surveys/SQUEAC
% of local administration areas (sub-district) with active community worker providing IYCF counselling
% of local administration areas (sub-district) with mother support groups meeting/conducting activities
at least once per month
% of CWs who reported receiving at least one supervisory visit in the last xx months
% of caregivers of children <2 who reported receiving at least one individual IYCF counselling session
in the last xx months
% of caregivers of children <2 who reported receiving at least one group education session on IYCF
in the last xx months
% of caregivers of children <2 who were able to correctly state at least 3 essential breastfeeding
practices
% of caregivers of children <2 who were able to correctly state at least 3 essential CF practices
% of caregivers of children 6-23m who report receiving [the type of supplement provided in the country]
(as applicable)
% of caregivers of children 6-23m who report giving iron-fortified foods or supplements in the past 24
hours

Outcome Indicators

% of infants initiated to breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth

% of infants under 6 months of age exclusively breastfed
% of infants between 6-8 of age with complementary foods introduced
% of children still breastfeeding at 12-15 months
% of young children still breastfeeding between 20-23 months of age
% of infants who had the minimum dietary diversity
% of infants who had the minimum meal frequency
% of infants and young children 6-23 months of age who received a minimum acceptable diet
% of infants 6-23 months who received an MNP, LNS or fortified complementary food in target areas

Impact Indicators

% of stunted children under 5 years of age (HAZ < - 2),

% of underweight children under 5 years of age (WAZ < - 2),
% of wasted children under 5 years of age (WHZ < - 2)
% of overweight children <5 years of age

NB Suggested indicators for intermediate behavioural outcomes reflecting a combination of

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) related to infant and young child feeding are shown in
the Chapter 3.4.6 on M&E of communication, along with other indicators for the communication
strategy.

SQUEAC = Semi- Quantitative Evaluation of Access and Coverage. The methodology may be used to obtain data on
sustained coverage of the IYCF counselling services http://www.brixtonhealth.com/squeaclq.html

62

3. ACTION AREAS FOR IYCF IMPLEMENTATION

3.1 Regulatory actions
Overview of section for regulatory actions:
3.1.1
3.1.2

Implementation of national legislation on marketing of BMS (Code)

Implementation of national legislation on maternity protection & workplace policies

3.1.1 Implementation of national legislation on marketing of BMS

(Code)
It is important to ensure national oversight of the overall process of implementing the Code,
including advocacy and communication, capacity development, drafting of Code legislation, and
ensuring its adoption, monitoring and enforcement. Resources Annex 1-5 provides links to further
information and tools on Code implementation. Specific activities include:
i.

Checking the status of Code legislation. The Code is a minimum standard, and only those
countries in category 1 which incorporate all provisions of the international Code and
subsequent WHA Resolutions are actually complying with this minimum standard. If a country
has not reached this minimum standard, then the available legislation in the country, if any,
should be assessed for gaps and revised to include the requirements necessary to comply
with the standard of a full provision law.

ii.

Encouraging the Ministry of Health to adopt an interim policy applying the Code to all
health facilities with immediate effect. The adoption of legislation to implement the Code
may involve a lengthy process, whereas the Ministry of Health may be able to adopt a policy
or circular relatively quickly to apply the provisions of the Code and subsequent WHA
Resolutions to the health care system. Although this approach does
not afford full protection from unethical and inappropriate marketing
by manufacturers of breastmilk substitutes, feeding bottles and teats,
it will prevent them at least from promoting their products in health
care facilities.

iii. Drafting or updating Code legislation, as applicable, and ensure

adoption by the relevant national authority according to the
legislative structures of the country. The Code Handbook is a Code
drafters manual containing chapters on each Code provision; a
Model Law; 6 national laws; the Code in full; all resolutions and a
very useful index (available from IBFAN).
iv. Ensuring that the legislation contains effective enforcement mechanisms and
sanctions, by appointing an independent body, as mentioned above.
v.

Monitor Code compliance. If there is legislation in place,

monitoring will reveal if it is adequate and/or is effectively being
implemented and enforced. In the absence of legislation, monitoring
will provide the evidence needed to persuade policy-makers that
Code implementation is necessary. Generic monitoring protocols are
available at the global level. A good resource is the Code
Monitoring Kit, containing a full set of guidelines and forms for
Code monitoring (available from IBFAN).

vi. Ensuring that the HIV pandemic and emergencies are not being
used to reintroduce commercial donations of BMS to the health
care system. Where the government decides to make free or subsidized BMS available to

63

HIV positive mothers or eligible mothers affected by emergencies, purchasing through

normal procurement channels should be ensured (see the chapters on HIV and infant
feeding and in emergencies below).
vii. Ensuring that BMS provided through social protection schemes or hospitals do not
spill over to children who do not need them, and do not violate any provisions of the
national Codes. As in emergencies, strict criteria should be applied in social protection
schemes which provide free BMS to identify and enrol only those infants who have no
possibility to be breastfed (e.g. whose mothers are deceased or who are separated from
the mothers, or when one of the reasons listed in the Acceptable medical reasons for use
of breastmilk substitutes applies.
In the context of PMTCT, UNICEF offices may provide support in ensuring Code-compliant
procurement and distribution of BMS, but should not procure or supply BMS (see chapter
1
on IYCF in the context of HIV) .
Additional Resources for Code development
and implementation include the Code
Essentials 1, 2 and 3, which give
breastfeeding advocates the essentials about
the need to regulate the marketing of baby
foods (including formula), feeding bottles and
teats. They will help legislators, policy makers
and health educators understand how
commercial
promotion
undermines
breastfeeding, and offer practical advice on
Code
implementation
and
monitoring
(available from IBFAN).

3.1.2

Implementation of maternity protection and workplace BF policies

There are several actions that can be taken to raise awareness and support implementation of
appropriate maternity protection legislation and dispel the misconception that mothers in
employment cannot breastfeed:
i.

Implement communication activities targeting working mothers to support the continuation of

breastfeeding, for example through expression, safe storage and cup feeding of expressed
breastmilk.

ii.

Develop culturally appropriate advocacy messages and materials about how maternity
protection benefits all of society: women and men, employees, employers, governments, and
most of all babies. Emphasize that all mothers work, and that breastfeeding mothers need
support and time to nurse their babies.

iii. Develop Baby-Friendly Workplace Initiative advocacy materials for industries and factories,
focusing on the benefits to the employer of offering 14 weeks maternity leave, crches and
nursing breaks (improved morale, reduced absenteeism, improved productivity and image
booster for the company).

See: UNICEF: "Infant feeding and mother to child transmission of HIV: operational guidance note" CF/PD/PRO/2002003 (ref. 132)

64

3.2. Health service level actions

Overview of chapter on health service level actions:
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3

3.2.4
3.2.5
3.2.6
3.2.7

IYCF counselling and support in pre-service and in-service training curricula

Capacity building of health workers in IYCF counselling through pre-service and inservice training, mentorship and follow-up
Infant feeding counselling and support in health services: age-appropriate one-to-one
infant feeding counselling and support for the mother and child in all health system
contacts
Full institutionalization of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding
Group counselling/communication in the health services
Strengthening quality complementary feeding through food-based recommendations
and supplementation in selected situations
Counselling and support on maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation, and
supplementation

Introduction
Health professionals are often influential figures in a society, and the messages, counselling and
advice they provide play a crucial role in ensuring optimal infant and young child feeding
practices. They include not only doctors and nurses in general practice, but also paediatricians,
obstetricians/gynaecologists, neonatologists and general doctors. The experiences of mothers
and infants in the health care services exert a strong influence on breastfeeding initiation and
later infant feeding behaviour. On the other hand, the functions of health providers may also
reflect a lack of knowledge about correct feeding advice and practices or a bias towards suboptimal infant feeding, for example they may encourage the use of formula or sanction giving
water along with breastmilk. In many settings where proactive feeding advice and support is
absent in the health system (and often in the community as well), the opportunity for influencing
mothers towards optimal practices is lost and mothers are left to be influenced by wrong advice,
for example by health providers who have incorrect knowledge and biased views or by formula
companies inappropriately marketing breastmilk substitutes.
The influence of health providers extends beyond the facilities where they work and the
caregivers they come into contact with. The senior health providers and managers working in
larger facilities and hospitals, district and provincial health offices, the national Ministry of Health
and in training institutes are often the people who train others, conduct supervision and who
advise on policies and protocols. It is crucial that they are fully capacitated on the most effective
ways of IYCF programming. In cases where their capacity and understanding of IYCF is limited,
their commitment and performance for IYCF is significantly jeopardised. In many instances a
strong advocacy is needed to convince this group of professionals on the importance of IYCF and
the actions needed.

3.2.1 IYCF counselling and support skills in pre-service and in-service

training curricula
Infant and young child feeding is generally a neglected area in the preservice and in-service training of health professionals worldwide and
requires high prioritization. Including IYCF topics in the basic curriculum
of medical and para-medical professionals is also likely to be the most
feasible and sustainable way to address the current knowledge gaps.
The standard for pre-service curricula should be based on the recent
Infant and Young Child Feeding: Model Chapter for textbooks for
medical students and allied health professionals (WHO 2009)
(Resources Annex 1-7).

65

It is critical to avoid having parallel and often contradictory systems of training, a scenario
common in many countries. The most appropriate support is to ensure that the various preservice curricula for doctors, health officers, nutritionists, midwives, nurses, nurses assistants,
etc. contain appropriate IYCF content and that pre-service and in-service training curricula are
harmonized.
Involving academics and teaching staff from the outset when new curricula and courses are
introduced and in training of trainers has proven to be an effective approach. In addition,
investing in quality IYCF content in the basic training packages and ensuring regular updates can
also contribute to development of a well-trained cadre of IYCF advocates in academia, an
important resource for an IYCF programme. High level and influential academics may in turn
become key champions for IYCF in a country.
Pre-service and in-service curricula therefore need to devote sufficient attention to building
professional support and counselling skills on IYCF, including through practical residency and
other on-the-job programmes where skills can be practised. In many countries IYCF features as a
module within a broader nutrition training programme. This is a good start that helps in the
general promotion of appropriate infant feeding, but needs further IYCF-focused capacity building
to adequately counsel mothers, negotiate with them, solve problems and provide practical
support.
The
five-day
Integrated
IYCF
Counselling
Course
(WHO/UNICEF 2006) which contains modules on breastfeeding,
complementary feeding, and HIV and infant feeding, is a good
model that provides sufficient depth but at the same time is feasible
to implement at scale. It can be adapted to the local context and
can be used for in-service curricula. It does not, however, have
counselling cards or other job aids. The counselling cards
developed by UNICEF for community cadres may also be utilized
for primary health care staff. In addition, the HIV aspect of the
IYCF training courses needs to be updated based on the 2010
WHO guidelines on HIV and infant feeding Guidelines on HIV and
Infant Feeding - Principles and recommendations and a
summary of the evidence (WHO 2010)
Specialized training on lactation management of selected health staff can use the 40-hour
1
Breastfeeding Counselling Training Course (WHO/UNICEF 1993) . In addition, there

3.2.2 Capacity building of health providers in IYCF counselling

Whether for in-service training or pre-service education,
the need to build up teams of experienced trainers is
critical. There are excellent examples of countries that
have been able to implement breastfeeding counselling
training nationwide by systematically building the capacity
of district managers and senior clinicians to plan for and
conduct in-service training. The same success needs to
be replicated for more integrated infant and young child
nutrition training at scale which would include both
breastfeeding and complementary feeding. In addition,
while many countries have given greater priority to inservice training, it is necessary to focus on pre-service
education system to ensure relevant capacities of all new
cohorts of staff and avoid the need for continual in-service
training. Involving the staff of academic and training
institutions, as well as functioning of teams of trainers
1

Box 14: Key counselling skills:

1.

Accept what a mother thinks and

feels

2.

Recognize and praise what a

mother and baby are doing right

3.

Give practical help

4.

Give a little, relevant information

5.

Use simple language

6.

Make one or two suggestions, not

commands

WHO/UNICEF 1993 Breastfeeding Counselling Course is currently under revision (2011).

66

within the teaching institutions will also avoid creating parallel systems with different approaches
and contents and will lead to lead to continuity and sustainability.
It is important to define precise quality criteria for training, including ensuring that there are
adequate clinical and field practice sessions, and continuously monitor it. There are numerous
experiences of using a number of training packages on IYCF for example, the IYCF integrated
course or a local adaptation, breastfeeding counselling, the BFHI 20-hour course, or training
packages which contain elements of IYCF such as IMCI, CMAM, ENA, a PMTCT course, an
HIV and nutrition course, and a pre-service nutrition technician course. The ultimate decision on
the content should be based on consideration of objectives and relevance to functions of the
trainee.
It is critical to ensure the IYCF content of all the different courses in the health system is
harmonized. All health workers are then trained on the same material, which can be useful in a
context with a high degree of staff rotation and turnover. Materials for health provider training also
need to be harmonized with the materials for training of community cadres. Harmonization is
essential to ensure that all those who provide IYCF counselling disseminate the same messages
and apply best practices to counsel caregivers.
It is also critical to ensure that the training of health providers is not the first and last step in the
process of capacity building. Training sessions on their own do not produce capacity and
sustained implementation of services and achievement of results. The appropriate systems and
structures to implement the IYCF counselling services need to be developed, and supervision
and performance monitoring mechanisms need to be in place to ensure sustained
implementation. This is especially important in contexts where human resources are constrained
or health systems are weak.
When IYCF counselling training is provided, follow up after training, mentoring and supportive
supervision need to be undertaken to ensure that theoretical skills are put into practice effectively.
At least one follow up visit should be conducted within 4-6 weeks of the IYCF training. The
Integrated IYCF Counselling Course has guidelines on follow up after training which can be used
to guide this aspect of the capacity development process. The IMCI approach to follow up and
ongoing mentoring and refresher training can be applied to IYCF capacity building.
Monitoring of performance
Following the initial follow up visit after training, regular, sustained monitoring of performance of
the health providers on IYCF needs to be conducted, and should be an integral part of the IYCF
activity and local and national plans. The scope will be dependent on existing systems of
performance monitoring, achievement of targets, service provision etc. in the countrys health
system. The monitoring system needs to take realistic account of the way the health services are
structured and organized and who within the structures is best placed to conduct the supervision.
It should be integrated within the existing internal system of supervision, or performance
monitoring in the hierarchy of the health services.
Therefore the routine performance monitoring system for IYCF services is most likely to be
tailored around ensuring that:

Health providers trained on IYCF are implementing the specified IYCF counselling
services.
IYCF counselling is actually taking place routinely within the designated MCH service
Targets for the numbers of pregnant and lactating women are being achieved.
Data on IYCF counselling is being collected (e.g. monitoring of percentage facilities
reporting on IYCF).

Tools for the monitoring of IYCF activities and performance should be incorporated in the
standard monitoring frameworks for health facilities and services. Countries may create their
own, tailored tools, or may adapt existing tools. For example, supervision tools contained in the
UNICEF generic community IYCF counselling package (see Chapter 3.3) could be adapted to

67

become an integral part of monitoring checklists and guides for different levels of the health
1
system .
Note that this type of routine performance monitoring does not address in depth the quality of the
counselling service. In many health care settings in developing countries it may not be feasible or
realistic to assess and supervise the quality of IYCF counselling or mentor health providers.
Routine supervisory visits may not be standard practice, nor may their scope be suitable for
assessing quality of counselling and mentoring staff on their performance and skills in
counselling. Therefore periodic health facility surveys similar to the health facility surveys of IMCI,
with random sampling, may be utilized to conduct this aspect of monitoring and evaluation of
IYCF counselling services.
However, if there is a system of regular, more in depth supervision of health providers already in
place in a country, assessment of the IYCF counselling and mentoring could be integrated within
this system, especially in cases of particular concern or need. The supervisors need to have
capacities for supervision and mentoring on IYCF, which may need to be developed. It should be
emphasized that that this type of supervision is not regulatory or punitive, but rather an interactive
process of support and mentoring, problem solving and feedback. Health provider concerns and
problems can also be addressed during supervisory visits.

Tracking of trained health providers

Tracking of health providers who have been trained on different IYCF-related courses needs to
occur in a systematic manner and at central level an updated and complete overview should be
available. The exercise of mapping coverage of health workers trained on IYCF (see format in the
Assessment Matrix (Resources Annex 1-1) will help to obtain such an overview and will
facilitate the development of a national in-service training plan to strengthen IYCF counselling
and support skills for different cadres of health workers based on gaps identified by the mapping
exercise.
The retrospective mapping of health providers trained on IYCF should be followed by the
introduction of a systematic approach to tracking of all health providers subsequently trained. The
reporting flow starting from the district up to the national level can then be complied and mapped
centrally.

Supportive supervision of community cadres

Health professionals, particularly those at the primary health care services level, also have a role
in supervising community cadres, and they need to have the appropriate capacity perform this
task. This role may be supported by NGOs, depending on the context. Tools and checklists for
supervision of community cadres may be found in the UNICEF generic IYCF counselling
package. It needs to be emphasized that this task of supervision needs to be integrated in the
structures and workplans of the health system.

3.2.3 Infant feeding counselling and support in health services

IYCF counselling is particularly important for initiation and establishment of good
breastfeeding practices, and to solve problems early on. Counselling can be a specialized
primary activity and contact, especially for mothers or caretakers of newborns. Specialized
lactation management or IYCF counselling contacts, especially in the early phase of the infants
life, should be considered, depending on the availability of staff, the structure of the health
services and their access and utilization. Home visits may be an appropriate option if there is
sufficient staff.

Note that the WHO/UNICEF IYCF counselling course for health providers does not contain supervision tools

68

Counselling is also an effective way of improving complementary feeding practices. In many

cases poor feeding practices are not necessarily due to lack of high quality foods at the
household, but because caregivers do not have knowledge and skills for appropriate feeding
practices. Health providers can counsel caregivers for optimal use of locally available foods for
complementary feeding at various contacts with caregivers of children 6-23 months old. This
counselling should be based on results of the formative research, Trials of Improved Practices
and similar methodologies to understand the local context, available foods and barriers to optimal
practices.
IYCF counselling at different stages of the lifecycle and continuum of care should be an integral
part of health care services, and the opportunities for implementing appropriate IYCF counselling
at the various health system contacts for women and children must be maximized. The coverage
of the various services, as well as the structure of the services, should be assessed to determine
which contacts would be the most effective in terms of achieving high coverage and good quality
IYCF counselling.
It is important to create a referral network of staff with specialized skills on lactation
management. An effective referral mechanism needs to be created and managed to ensure
access for women who need more specialized support to solve problems.
The following gives some suggestions on IYCF elements that could be integrated in different
contacts or programmes.
Table 2: Health system contacts and suggested IYCF actions (including maternal nutrition)
Life Cycle
Stage

Programme or
Contact

Age appropriate IYCF Activities

Pregnancy

Ante-natal care
(including
PMTCT)

Weighing and MUAC screening of the mother and counselling on

nutrition during pregnancy
Distribution of micronutrient supplements (iron-folic acid and multimicronutrients if appropriate) and protein-energy supplements for
undernourished mothers
PMTCT services, including counselling on infant feeding options in
context of HIV
Counselling on breastfeeding, esp. early initiation, colostrum feeding,
exclusive breastfeeding
Group counselling/communication on maternal nutrition and infant
feeding
Support for early initiation of breastfeeding, colostrum feeding, and
establishment of exclusive breastfeeding

Delivery

Neo-natal
period

0-12
months

Maternity care
(health facility
or home)
Postnatal/

newborn care
incl.

community-
based newborn
care
Lactation

**
management
Possible new
contact
EPI

Monitoring of lactation and support to resolve any problems;

Counselling on exclusive breastfeeding
Counselling on maternal nutrition during lactation
Vitamin A supplementation of the mother (birth to 8 weeks)
Monitoring of lactation and support to resolve any problems
Counselling on establishing and maintaining exclusive breastfeeding

Review of feeding practices and counselling on exclusive breastfeeding

and continued breastfeeding plus counselling on timely, safe,
appropriate and adequate complementary feeding after 6 months. Each
EPI contact in the immunization schedule should include IYC, and
services should be re-organized and re-s
BMI screening of the mother, counselling on nutrition during lactation,
referral for provision of food supplements if undernourished
Demonstration of food preparation and sharing of recipes for optimal
use of locally available foods for children >6 months
Distribution of multi-micronutrients or other supplements/vouchers for
complementary foods after 6 months if applicable
Group counselling/communication on IYCF

69

Life Cycle
Stage

Programme or
Contact

Age appropriate IYCF Activities

0-23
months

Growth

monitoring and
promotion

Review of feeding practices and counselling on exclusive breastfeeding

and continued breastfeeding plus counselling on timely, safe,
appropriate and adequate complementary feeding after 6 months
BMI screening of the lactating mother, counselling on nutrition during
lactation, referral for provision of food supplements if undernourished
Demonstration of food preparation and sharing of recipes for optimal
use of locally available foods for children 6-23 months
Distribution of multi-micronutrients or other supplements if applicable.
Individual counselling/group or individual communication on IYCF
Review of feeding practices and counselling and support on feeding
options;
Nutritional screening of mother and infant
Active follow up in the community
Distribution of multi-micronutrients or other supplements - if applicable
Communication for behaviour and social change
Review of feeding practices and counselling and support on feeding
options
Nutritional screening of the infant/young child
Distribution of multi-micronutrients or other supplements - if applicable
Review of feeding practices and counselling on exclusive
breastfeeding, continued breastfeeding plus counselling on timely,
safe, appropriate and adequate complementary feeding after 6 months
of age
Counselling on continuing to feed the sick child during illness and
feeding more frequently after recovery to support rapid regaining of any
weight lost during the illness and prevent the child from becoming
underweight or wasted
Distribution of multi-micronutrients or other supplements - if applicable
As applicable, review of feeding practices and counselling on maternal
nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding and continued breastfeeding,
counselling on timely, safe, appropriate and adequate complementary
feeding after 6 months of age
Review of feeding practices and counselling on exclusive breastfeeding
or continued breastfeeding counselling on timely, safe, appropriate and
adequate complementary feeding (after 6 months of age)
Demonstration of food preparation and sharing of recipes for optimal
use of locally available foods for children 6-23 months
Communication for behaviour and social change

PMTCT

Paediatric ARV
treatment

IMCI/sick child
consultation

Family planning

Community-
based health
and/or nutrition
programmes
(including

CHWs, lay
counsellors,
mother support
groups)
Child Health
Days

Integrated

management of
severe acute
malnutrition
(inpatient,
outpatient and
community-
based)

Distribution of multi-micronutrients if applicable together with key

messages on appropriate IYCF
Vitamin A supplementation (children> 6 months)
Deworming (children >12 months)
Communication messages on IYCF
MUAC screening and referral of malnourished children (children> 6
months)
Distribution of zinc supplements for management of diarrhoea
Communication/counselling on optimal feeding practices during
nutritional screening
Before discharge, review of feeding practices of the malnourished child
and counselling on exclusive breastfeeding or continued breastfeeding
plus counselling on timely, safe, appropriate and adequate
complementary feeding after 6 months of age to prevent further acute
malnutrition
Demonstration of food preparation and sharing of recipes for optimal
use of locally available foods for children 6-23 months
Distribution of multi-micronutrients or other supplements if applicable
upon discharge

70

3.2.4 Institutionalization of the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding

Background
The Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)
was launched by UNICEF and WHO in 1992
with the development of the guidelines for
country and hospital level implementation,
global criteria, a lactation management
course and assessment tools. The BFHI
promotes the implementation of Ten Steps
to Successful Breastfeeding (Box 15).
The maternity care experience exerts a
unique influence on both breastfeeding
initiation and later infant feeding behaviour.
Even though the hospital stay is typically very
short, events during this time have a lasting
meaning. Correspondingly, the hospital stay
is known to be a critical period for the
establishment of breastfeeding. Institutional
changes in maternity care practices have
been
shown
to
effectively
increase
breastfeeding initiation and duration rates
[161].

Box 15: Ten Steps to Successful

Breastfeeding (in maternity services)
1.

Have a written breastfeeding policy that is

routinely communicated to all health care staff.
2. Train all health care staff in skills necessary to
implement this policy.
3. Inform all pregnant women about the benefits
and management of breastfeeding.
4. Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within a
half-hour of birth.
5. Show mothers how to breastfeed, and how to
maintain lactation even if they should be
separated from their infants.
6. Give newborn infants no food or drink other
than breast milk unless medically indicated.
7. Practice rooming in - allow mothers and
infants to remain together - 24 hours a day.
8. Encourage breastfeeding on demand.
9. Give no artificial teats or pacifiers (also called
dummies or soothers) to breastfeeding infants.
10. Foster the establishment of breastfeeding
support groups and refer mothers to them on
discharge from the hospital or clinic.

In addition, a study found a relationship

between the number of the Ten Steps to
Successful Breastfeeding in place at a birth facility and a mothers breastfeeding success [162]. It
was found that mothers experiencing none of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding required
for BFHI designation during their stay were eight times as likely to stop breastfeeding before six
weeks as those experiencing five steps. This finding emphasizes the value of implementing
incremental change within the hospital setting.
The BFHI has been traditionally organized around a facility by facility process of selfassessment, training, external assessment and certification of the facility as baby friendly.
Baby friendly status of a facility is supposed to be re-assessed by the team of external
assessors and the facility re-certified every 5 years or so. The BFHI materials (WHO 2009)
which support this process, available on the UNICEF and WHO
websites, contain 5 sections:

Section 1: Background and Implementation

Section 2: Strengthening and sustaining the Baby-friendly

Hospital Initiative: A course for decision-makers

Section 3: Breastfeeding Promotion and Support in a BabyFriendly Hospital, a 20-hour course for maternity staff

Section 4: Hospital Self-Appraisal and Monitoring

Section 5: External Assessment and Reassessment (limited

distribution, available from UNICEF or WHO upon request).

The original 18-hour training course on lactation management for

1
hospital personnel was developed in support of the BFHI in 1993 . In light of experience with
implementing the BFHI, the guidance provided by the new Global Strategy for Infant and Young
Child Feeding in 2002 and the challenges posed by the HIV pandemic, there was growing
interest and imperative to update the BFHI guidance and modules. The importance of addressing
mother-friendly care within the Initiative and expanding and integrating mother and baby-friendly

The updated course (2006; 2009) is now 20 hours.

71

principles in health care settings beyond hospitals was raised by a number of groups as well. The
process of updating the BFHI materials began in 2004 and the modules have all been updated
and revised based on a decade of accumulated knowledge and experience and the new
developments. A final updated version for BFHI materials was issued in 2009. However, the
section on HIV needs to be updated in light of the recommendation of the 2010 WHO Guidelines
on HIV and infant feeding [126].
The updated version places greater emphasis on sustainability and options for expansion and
integration of the BFHI into the health care system. In addition, significant changes have been
made to the training materials. For example, they contain guidance for implementing BFHI in
settings of high HIV prevalence, updated technical information and additional clinical practice
sessions. The hospital self-appraisal and monitoring tools include revised global criteria, a
strengthened self-appraisal tool and a range of monitoring tools for consideration, while the
external assessment and reassessment tools have revised data gathering tools, slides for training
assessors and an updated computer tool for calculating and presenting results, and new modules
focused on the Code, HIV, and mother-friendly labour and birth. Countries implementing the
BFHI are encouraged to use the updated modules as part of their national pre-service and inservice training curricula and training programmes for maternity staff.
Global status of the BFHI
By 2010, more than 21,000 hospitals have been designated in
154 countries around the world. This represents just over 25 per
cent of the total of over 77,000 hospitals/maternity facilities
reported to exist in these countries. This figure reflects the status
of ever-designated, as many facilities were never re-certified or
updated data has not been possible to obtain.
The UNICEF Assessment Matrix on IYCF programming
contains a section to reflect the current status of hospitals
implementing the 10 Steps and/or certified within the past 4-5
years as baby friendly. This tool will allow further data collection
on the BFHI in developing countries.

Suggested new approach to institutionalize the BFHI

The complexity and facility-by-facility implementation approach of the BFHI process is one of the
major factors impeding rapid and wide expansion of the initiative and jeopardizing its
sustainability. In many cases, the BFHI has remained donor-dependent, often perceived as a
project, and has not been properly institutionalized.
Support to the BFHI needs to focus on integrating the Ten Steps for Successful Breastfeeding
within the standard operating procedures for hospital functioning and accreditation rather than
ongoing external support to BFHI initiation, training and certification as a vertical project,
which in the past has not led to sustained functioning of baby-friendly facilities and has meant
that in most countries only a small proportion of facilities were ever certified.
As a new approach to improving breastfeeding practices in maternity settings nationwide, it is
therefore suggested that the improvement of maternity practices can in the long term be part of
a comprehensive set of changes to fully institutionalize the principles of the BFHI, i.e. the
Ten Steps. The process to institutionalize all Ten Steps as part of the standard operating
procedures of maternity care would involve integrating an adapted version of the checklists and
tools contained in the BFHI materials within health authorities routine supervision protocols,
quality control, accreditation requirements and evaluation systems (see also Chapter 2.3,2 above
on health systems strengthening and Chapter 2.4,4 on prioritizing interventions).
In the short term, there could be an incremental approach, with initial nationwide, mandatory
implementation of selected priority steps. These can include nationwide obligatory
implementation of some steps such as rooming-in of mothers and babies, encouraging early skin
to skin contact and feeding on demand, and discontinuing harmful practices (e.g. pre-lacteal

72

feeds, giving water and BMS, etc.). This approach can be implemented rapidly and at scale while
working on broader institutional improvements.
In order to achieve a much wider scale of implementation of actions to improve breastfeeding
practices in maternity facilities, it is proposed that up to seven of the Ten Steps may be prioritized
for rapid and at-scale implementation (Steps 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 indicated in bold in Box 14).
These seven steps specifically relate to
Box 16: Selected priority steps for rapid
national policies and requirements for
implementation
hospital functions, are feasible to implement
without special staff training and can be
immediately introduced into all hospitals for
1. Have a written breastfeeding policy that is
quick, visible and positive results on
routinely communicated to all health care staff.
breastfeeding practices. An instruction issued
3. Inform all pregnant women about the benefits
by the Ministry of Health or other relevant
and management of breastfeeding.
authorities to all maternity facilities to
4. Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within a
half- hour of birth.
implement these seven steps could be a
6. Give newborn infants no food or drink other
feasible and effective action to making all
than breast milk unless medically indicated.
facilities baby-friendly.
7.

Practice rooming in - allow mothers and

infants to remain together - 24 hours a day.

While these steps are being scaled up

8. Encourage breastfeeding on demand.
nationwide, a plan needs to be developed to
9. Give no artificial teats or pacifiers (also called
fully institutionalize the BFHI principles as
dummies or soothers) to breastfeeding infants.
part of the standard operating procedures for
maternity services, including making the 20hour course (Step 2) an integral part of the strengthening of maternity care (e.g. as a standard
module for pre-service and in-service training all staff, alongside newborn and emergency
obstetric care). To ensure stronger institutionalization and high coverage with trained health
providers, the Ministry of Health could issue a requirement that all staff graduating from training
institutions should be required to undergo the 20-hour BFHI course, the 5-day Integrated IYCF
counselling course or the Model Chapter before they can start working in a maternity facility.
Breastfeeding counselling/lactation management should be considered as one of the essential
training modules that staff working in maternity facilities must be trained on. In addition, a training
plan needs to be developed to systematically include existing maternity staff in either of the
above courses. This will enable staff to implement Steps 4 and 5 with good quality. Planning and
implementation for breastfeeding support after discharge from hospital should be integrated
within the primary and community-based health services (Step 10). Step 10 is not directly within
the mandate of the maternity facility.
Sustainability of the BFHI principles and ownership at the facility will also require continuous
efforts and on-the-site capacity building of the new staff in the hospital. Therefore, a
breastfeeding focal point for the maternity facility should be identified to follow up on
implementation and ensure compliance, as well as serve as a designated trainer for the hospital
to provide in-service training on breastfeeding (using the 20-hour course of the BFHI if possible),
mentoring and periodic refresher training.
The national monitoring system needs to track the proportion of maternity facilities complying with
all of the 9 steps, and this information needs to be compiled in a national database.

3.2.5 Group education & communication in the health services

Group education sessions on various topics around infant and young child feeding may be
offered to mothers and caretakers at health centres. In some countries, these sessions are often
offered before the well child clinics or immunization sessions commence. The sessions are a
good opportunity for communication on IYCF. The context-specific messages on infant feeding
identified through the process of developing the communication strategy (See chapter on

73

Communication on IYCF) should be made available to the health workers, as well as job aids and
1
communication materials .
It is essential that the staff who conduct these sessions at health facilities be trained on
interpersonal communication skills and participatory approaches to group facilitation, in
addition to the key technical information. Interactive communication using effective techniques
and appropriate skills is essential to help bring about sustainable behaviour change, in contrast to
the traditional form of delivering health education messages, which is often in a one-way, didactic
manner. The training on effective communication techniques could cover topics such as barriers
and motivators to behaviour and social change, stages of behaviour change, negotiation in
behaviour change, participatory communication techniques, use of role play and interactive
drama, problem solving and action-oriented group work (refer to resources on communication
skills training in Annex 1-9).

3.2.6 Strengthening complementary feeding: supplementation in the health

system
Various models for targeting and distribution of the different products for improving the quality of
complementary feeding exist, including through the health system, but need to be tailored to the
local context and tested before scale-up, with the introductory phase thoroughly documented.
Distribution of products for complementary feeding need to be fully integrated within the health
system, including the supply management system and monitoring systems. Various approaches
for distribution have been tested.
Once the targeting method has been determined, approaches for distribution, forecasting and
ordering/management of the stocks of the product(s) need to be established.
Some of the possible models of distribution in the health system include:

Complementary feeding products can be provided to eligible poorest/most vulnerable

families, either in kind to those participating in or attending health services, or through
voucher schemes.

Certain compact supplements such as multiple micronutrient powders, lipid based nutrient
supplements and similar products can be distributed in regular and carefully supervised
manner through the routine health services, such as during monthly growth monitoring or
well-child care visits. Bulkier products may not be possible to distribute through the health
services, as their logistics and warehousing may not be amenable to integration within the
pharmacy/medical supplies systems. The supplements may be given out monthly, or every
two months, or as the child gets older, the frequency of contacts may be reduced further.

Multiple micronutrient powders (e.g. Sprinkles) can also be distributed to parents twice yearly
during child health days or similar national or sub-national events [163].

The health services may also refer eligible families to the social welfare system, social
protection programmes or to other organizations to collect other products such as fortified
complementary foods, including blended flours, or to collect vouchers.

Within health system interventions, counselling and communication on optimal use of locally
available foods should always be the starting point and should always complement any
distribution of a product (see Chapter 2.4,4 on identifying and prioritizing interventions for
complementary feeding).

Examples of training packages on behaviour change communication include Behaviour Change Communication for
Improved Infant Feeding Training of Trainers (AED/Linkages 2004).

74

3.2.7 Counselling and support in the health system on maternal nutrition

during pregnancy and lactation
Addressing maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation is crucial to maternal health,
pregnancy outcomes and infant nutrition. There are feasible and cost-effective interventions to
1
improve the nutritional status of women during pregnancy and lactation , focusing on ensuring
adequate nutrient intake. Monitoring of weight gain during pregnancy is an important activity in
the health services.
Pregnancy: During pregnancy, it is important to ensure that there is adequate weight gain, intake
of appropriate nutrients (macro and micronutrients) and reduced workload to ensure adequate
intrauterine growth of the fetus and prevent maternal undernutrition. Actions to address this
include the following:

Counselling on appropriate maternal nutrition and care during pregnancy. In addition to

counseling on general care and health during pregnancy, women should be advised how to
maximize use of locally available foods to ensure an appropriate and adequate diet. The
provision of one-on-one counselling for pregnant (and lactating) women, tailored to the stage
in the lifecycle, should be integrated within antenatal care and healthy child consultations and
other contacts with pregnant and lactating mothers. Group counselling/communication
sessions on maternal nutrition by health providers can also be planned at the health facility
and during outreach. Dietary diversification should be promoted, coupled with food production
or income-generation activities, to make more diverse foods available at the family level.
Fortified foods should be promoted where available and affordable.

Regular weighing to monitor weight gain and also mid-upper arm circumference
(MUAC) screening for undernutrition.

Appropriate measures for meeting nutrient requirements during pregnancy and lactation
include for example provision or referral for food supplements in poor socio-economic
circumstances or for women who are not gaining sufficient weight, or in situations of food
insecurity and emergencies. Therapeutic and supplementary feeding for undernourished
women as per the national protocols for management of acute malnutrition should be
2
provided if available . Cash transfers as part of social protection schemes could also be
considered, linked to attendance at ante-natal care and well child clinics.

Provision of daily iron/folic acid supplements through ante-natal care, as per the WHO
recommendations [164] and national protocols. A minimum of 90 days supplementation is
recommended.

During emergencies only, as per the Joint Statement on use of multiple micronutrients for
pregnant and lactating women [165], this group of women may be provided with multi3
micronutrient supplements, which contain 15 essential vitamins and minerals .

Lactation: Maternal nutrition during lactation needs to be addressed as part of a comprehensive

IYCF programme. The importance of increased intake of quality foods for lactating women,
consumption of nutrient-rich foods or micronutrient supplements, and reduction of workload need
to be addressed in order to ensure adequate maternal nutritional status. Counselling of

The focus is on weight and micronutrient status during pregnancy and lactation, as increases in height cannot be
achieved once an adolescent girl reaches her adult height. Improvements in maternal height therefore require a life cycle
approach by increasing birth weight, enhancing growth in children less than two years of age and improving adolescent
nutrition and growth.
2
For women, MUAC <210 mm is considered the cutoff for severe malnutrition. Using body mass index (BMI), severe
acute undernutrition is classified as BMI <16 and mild and moderate undernutrition is classified by BMI between 16 and
18.5. BMI cannot be used to classify undernutrition in pregnant women and lactating women during the first six months of
the babys life.
3
Multi-micronutrients for women are available in capsule, tablet or powder form. The powder has been shown to improve
compliance due to fewer side effects. If conventional Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation has very low compliance
in a country, these alternatives may be considered. Currently, guidance on multi-micronutrients during pregnancy and
lactation is provided only by the joint statement on micronutrient supplementation in emergencies [ref. 164].

75

breastfeeding women on consuming an adequate quantity and quality of food to meet their
energy requirements and micronutrient needs during lactation (i.e., iron, iodine and vitamin A).
This needs to be done along with reinforcing the message that only in exceptional cases (such as
1
severe undernutrition ) are women unable to breastfeed. Actions include:

Regularly weighing and MUAC screening for undernutrition, and provision of appropriate food
supplements or therapeutic food if found moderately or severely malnourished [166]
respectively.

Provision of a high-dose vitamin A supplement within the first six weeks after the delivery in
high deficiency areas.

Iron-folic acid supplementation up to three months post-partum should be provided in

situations where the prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy is high >40%).

Provision of multi-micronutrient supplements as required during emergencies.

3.3 Community level actions

Overview of chapter on community IYCF actions:
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.3.3
3.3.4

Assessment, design and planning for community-based IYCF

Capacity development for and implementation of IYCF counselling
Creation of mother support groups
Supportive supervision, monitoring and evaluation

Introduction
The systems and policy aspects of community based IYCF are addressed in Chapter 2.3.3. To
summarize, key IYCF actions at the community level may include facilitating establishment of
community structures and participation, counselling and support by trained community workers,
distribution of supplements according to government policy, and behaviour change
communication (BCC). For optimal impact, it is suggested that community-based IYCF activities
should include - at minimum - IYCF promotion and counselling, either through a trained,
dedicated lay IYCF counsellor or through an existing community cadre trained on IYCF
counselling (e.g. community health workers, extension workers and lay counsellors) and relevant
form of mother support group.
It is crucial to first conduct an assessment to understand the existing community based
programmes, systems and structures, identify suitable entry points and understand local feeding
practices and barriers (see also section on situation assessment below); to mobilize and engage
communities and support systems to commit to the programme and participate in its design and
planning, and then to conduct capacity building activities, which include ongoing mentoring and
regular supportive supervision. Training sessions are relatively easy to plan and implement, but
strong programme design and systems for functioning are crucial for producing results on a
sustained basis. Too many community-based programmes have focused only on training of
community cadres but not paid adequate attention to the systems for ongoing implementation of
the activities and ensuring supervision. This often resulted in poor sustainability of programmes,
low motivation, poor quality and wasted resources with minimal outcomes.

The energy and protein content of breastmilk are barely affected by the nutritional status of the breastfeeding mother,
unless the undernutrition is severe [4]. Mildly and moderately malnourished mothers can therefore breastfeed
successfully, although their own body reserves of all nutrients will be depleted. The concentration of some nutrients in
breastmilk, including Vitamin A, iodine and Vitamins of group B, as well as essential fatty acids, is dependent on maternal
status and intake, and so infant depletion is increased by maternal deficiency.

76

3.3.1 Assessment, design & planning of community-based IYCF

The design of the IYCF component of a community-based health and nutrition programme should
be conducted with the active participation of communities. A case study that can prove useful in
designing community-based interventions include: Learning from Large-Scale Communitybased Programmes to Improve Breastfeeding Practices: Report of ten-country case study
(2008) [167]. Other resources include WHOs Community-based Strategies for Breastfeeding
Promotion and Support in Developing Countries [168].

The Planning and Adaptation Guide from the UNICEF generic community IYCF counselling
package (Resources Annex 1-8) which includes within it 5 proposed essential steps in designing
a new community-based intervention:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.

Conduct or update a situation assessment of existing community-based services & KAP.

Develop or update policies and systems to support community IYCF.
Identify, sensitize and involve community-based stakeholders.
Strengthen existing or create new community cadres to conduct IYCF activities.
Design & plan the community IYCF programme (training; counselling and behaviour
change; supervision and mentoring; monitoring and evaluation).

The following discussion summarizes in brief the suggested steps.

Situation assessment and formative research on KAP

Before embarking on community-based IYCF activities, it is important to conduct a situation
assessment of the target communities in order to obtain a good understanding of the existing
community-based programmes and structures for community participation in health and nutrition,
and the current practices and behaviours in those communities related to IYCF. This information
is important to ensure that the IYCF programme can effectively integrate with and build on
existing programmes and that community-level counselling tools, promotional messages, training
materials and communication strategies are appropriately tailored to address the barriers to
optimal IYCF practices. The assessment should include formative research including Knowledge,
Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) studies, mapping of the existing community-based health and
nutrition activities, available groups and structures who could be involved in the community IYCF
activities and compilation and review of any evaluations of community-based IYCF programmes.
The assessments should be conducted in different geographic areas and among different
population groups, as current community programming and existing IYCF practices and barriers
may vary significantly in different settings and among different groups.
Quantitative and qualitative data on IYCF, including KAP studies and formative research, may
have already been collected as part of the overall situation assessment. If not, KAP studies to
determine barriers to optimal IYCF should be conducted. See section on Chapter 2.2 for
information on conducting a situation assessment, and Resources Annex 1-3 for information on
formative research and KAP studies.

77

Separate formative research/KAP studies for the community and communication components of
the overall IYCF programme are not necessary: it is a single process, and the resulting
counselling tools used by community cadres and the communication messages and materials
should be harmonized.
Existing community health and nutrition programmes should be mapped to determine the
coverage of programmes and scope of activities, the type of community cadres and the
incentives and support they receive. The Assessment Matrix (Resources Annex 1-1) can be
used to facilitate this mapping. Existing community-based IYCF projects should be reviewed if
they exist, to determine which models achieve the desired results and would be feasible for
scaling up.
Policies and systems
Policies and systems need to be in place to support and facilitate the community-based
programme, whether it is an integrated community-based health and nutrition programme or a
stand-alone IYCF community programme. To ensure sustained functioning of the programme, it
is important to address these issues before embarking on training of community cadres.
Challenges to sustainability
Some of the challenges to sustainability of community IYCF interventions (both community IYCF
counselling and mother support groups) are the lack of support and supervision, drop-out of
community workers or support group members and lack of motivation to continue activities, as
well as financial constraints from Government and partners to train enough community workers or
groups and supervise them regularly. Turn-over is often the result of family responsibilities and a
lack of recognition and acceptance of the volunteers by health care providers. These challenges
have been addressed by focusing on one or two activities, matching tasks to available time, and
providing incentives. Some programmes have addressed financial constraints by initiating
income-generating activities. Lack of collaboration with other health services also threatens
sustainability. As a general rule, networking and collaboration with government agencies and
NGOs are essential links that can facilitate two-way referrals, shared training, and technical
assistance opportunities. A solid and consistent support structure, with committed individuals,
needs to be in place to support the community workers and groups.

Involving community-based decision-makers and groups and gaining their commitment

and support
It is important to sensitize and gain commitment and involvement of key community members,
given their in-depth knowledge and networks within communities and ability to influence
practices. Their involvement and commitment can help to ensure that the programme receives
their endorsement and validation, the potential for sustainability is increased, the community is
effectively mobilized, practices and behaviours are influenced positively and the community
cadres are supported. These key community members may include community and religious
leaders, local politicians, administrators, teachers, nurses, extension workers, community-based
organizations and womens group leaders, health committee leaders, skilled birth attendants
1
(SBAs), traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and other community-based cadres. A specific focus
on influential women and female-led groups and initiatives is important for IYCF programmes.
Their active participation should enhance ownership and responsibility for the programme.
Involvement of these influential persons and groups is important at the initial stages of design and
planning of the programme, and their ongoing participation in oversight of the implementation and
supervision is also crucial. Steps for involvement could include:

Note that it is not proposed to involve TBAs in IYCF through any kind of work related to attending births the latest
WHO guidance on this must be upheld. However, as trusted women in the community they may have a role in promoting
good IYCF practices, participating in mother support groups and encouraging attendance or referrals to health facilities.
Involving TBAs in IYCF may also represent a potential approach to giving them a new role in their communities.

78

Consultations with communities and local authorities and partners to determine the influential
community members and decision makers.

Identifying groups and individuals to include in the IYCF activities (Table 5).

Orientation and advocacy sessions with the identified groups to gain their support of and
engaging them in planning and implementation and motivating the different groups for action.

Designating Baby-friendly Communities

As part of the participatory planning process with communities, it may be decided to designate
the community as a Baby-Friendly Community (BFC), as implemented in certain countries (e.g.
The Gambia), in order to:

Expand BFHI practices and criteria into community health services.

Expand BFHI practices into delivery settings where there are no health facilities.

Strengthen the vital tenth step in ensuring best practices and support for every mother.

The BFHI modules provide model national criteria for BFC guidelines, which minimally would
need be adapted based on the local community situation and on dialogue with the communities.
Criteria for a baby-friendly community could include the following:
Box 17: Criteria for a Baby Friendly Community (based on BFHI modules):
i. Community political and social leadership, both male and female, are committed to making a change
in support of optimal infant and young child feeding.
ii. All health facilities that include maternity services, or local health care provision, are designated Babyfriendly and actively support both early and exclusive breastfeeding (0-6 months).
iii.If home deliveries are the norm, all who assist in deliveries are informed concerning the importance of
delayed cord cutting, immediate skin-to-skin continued for at least 60 minutes, and no prelacteal feeds.
iv.All who assist in facility-based or home deliveries are informed concerning mother-friendly labour and
birthing practices such as encouraging mothers to have companions to provide support, minimizing
invasive procedures unless medically necessary, encouraging women to move about and assume
positions of their choice during labour, etc.
v. Community access to referral site(s) with skilled support for early, exclusive and continued
breastfeeding is available.
vi.Support is available in community for age-appropriate, frequent, and responsive complementary
feeding with continued breastfeeding. This will generally mean that there is availability of
micronutrients or animal based foods and adequate counselling to assist mothers in making
appropriate choices.
vii.
Mother-to-mother support system, or similar, is in place.
viii.
No practices, distributors, shops or services violate the International Code (as applicable) in the
community.
ix.Local government or civil society has convened, created and supports implementation of at least one
political or social normative change and/or additional activity that actively supports mothers and
families to succeed with immediate and exclusive breastfeeding practices (e.g. time-sharing of tasks,
granting authority to transport breastfeeding mothers for referral if needed, identification of
breastfeeding advocates/protectors among community leaders, breastfeeding supportive workplaces,
etc.).
x. Simplified job-aids for assisting and for assessing home deliveries by skilled birth attendants have
been developed and are in use.

Creating and supporting a functioning system of community cadres to conduct IYCF

activities
Existing community structures afford many opportunities to promote and support IYCF. Table 5
lists different potential cadres and groups, their common characteristics and advantages and
disadvantages of each in the provision of promotive and supportive IYCF in the community. Note
that many of these potential providers/cadres are also secondary participants in the
communication strategy.

See the BFHI modules, Section 1.1 and 1.5, for more details on baby friendly communities.

79

Table 3: Potential Providers of Lay Community IYCF Promotion and Support Services
Providers/
Cadres
Peer/lay
counsellors

Multi-purpose
community
health workers

Community
development
and
extension
workers

Traditional health
practitioners
(TBAs, traditional
healers, herbalist
etc.

Local child
nutrition
advocates

Common Characteristics

Advantages

Disadvantages

Women with current or recent

infant feeding experience
(peer counsellors) or strong
commitment to infant feeding
(lay counsellors)
Similar socio-cultural
characteristics as clients
May provide one to one
counselling in homes, health
facilities, mother support
groups, informal setting
May conduct group
counselling/communication
sessions
May be affiliated with health
facility, community group, or
NGO
May provide one to one
counselling in homes, health
facilities, mother support
groups, informal setting
May conduct group
counselling/communication
sessions
May receive salary or small
stipend
May have or not have
personal experience of
breastfeeding
Outreach extends beyond
mothers and children
Broader set of issues
May conduct social
mobilization on IYCF

Model optimal infant

feeding practices in
case of peer
counsellors
Ability to demonstrate
improved recipes and
food preparation for
young children
Understand mothers
situation
Accessible
Focused attention on
feeding issues

Often high
turnover rates
among
volunteers
Part-time work
limits number of
contacts
If purely
voluntary,
incentive may be
low

Integrated with other

health services
Wider outreach

More limited IYCF

support
May be distracted
by other duties

Linked with other

sectors such as
agriculture
Can provide
information and
support on production
and use of appropriate
and high quality local
foods for young
children
Re-enforcement of
messages; non-health
contact points
Serve women least
likely to attend PHC
facility

Limited time for

IYCF support
Balancing many
duties

Broaden support
network, reach
secondary targets
May have special
skills in community
promotion and
education

Usually not ideal

candidates for
facilitating
infant feeding
support groups
May be reluctant
to abandon
harmful
traditional
practices

Provide health care using

traditional methods/ products
May have knowledge of
traditional and modern
medicine
May conduct social
mobilization on IYCF
Opinion leaders within family,
the community, or country
May conduct social
mobilization on IYCF

Require special
training curricula,
materials, and
trainers

(Grandmothers,
religious &
traditional leaders
local media,
teachers, womens
groups, members of
village health
committees,
community or faith
based organizations
Source: Adapted from WellStart Trilogy (1996) and Learning from Large Scale Community Based Breastfeeding
Promotion (2008) [166]. Note that many of these community based providers are also secondary participants in the
communication strategy.

80

Using existing cadres: Community-based IYCF actions should build upon existing structures as
much as possible, rather than creating parallel ones. Many developing countries already have
some form of community-based health and/or nutrition programmes and structures, such as
community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM), community IMCI (C-IMCI) and
community case management (CCM) of common childhood illnesses, with different types of
community-based workers and varying types of incentives, from volunteers to paid cadres of the
Government system.
Community health and nutrition programmes are not viewed as a panacea for weak health
systems [169], but as a complementary approach to reach vulnerable groups. Their success
depends on the ability to motivate involvement of CHWs, offer opportunities for personal growth
and accomplishment, retain CHWs after they have been trained, sustain their performance, and
provide supervision, support, and recognition from the health system and community
Creating a new community cadre: In some settings and situations, there may be a need to
create a new community cadre. These may be necessary in case if:

any community-based health and/or nutrition programmes and structures through

which IYCF counselling can be delivered is absent.
existing programme is not appropriate for adding this service.
there is a need to create a dedicated cadre of counsellor for infant feeding, etc.

In these cases establishment of IYCF counselling through new community cadres may serve as
an entry point for other elements of community-based health and nutrition care to become
comprehensive community-based mother and child care.
IYCF counsellors also may be part of different outreach activities in target communities.
Community involvement is important during the process of planning and determining the most
appropriate model of IYCF counselling.

Design and planning of the community IYCF activities

The following issues need to be addressed in designing and planning the community IYCF
programme (focusing on counselling and mother support groups):

Deciding on an appropriate CW or lay counsellor profile for the tasks of IYCF promotion,
counselling and support, including gender, minimum educational level, residence, etc.

Establishing a realistic and appropriate ratio of community workers to households. This is a

crucial aspect of the design of the community programme. Too low a ratio e.g. 1 CW to 20
households means that scale will most likely never be achieved. Too low a ratio e.g. 1
CW for 2,000 households and the worker will probably not be able to reach all the people in
his or her catchment area.

Determining how many community workers will be deployed and trained over a specified time
period.

Establishing how, when and where IYCF counselling will be conducted in the community and
the time commitment of the community workers i.e. identifying multiple contact points most
appropriate for IYCF promotion and counselling activities e.g. home visits, at a health post
or the home of the community worker, at the nearest health facility, early childhood care
centres, community-based screening of severe acute malnutrition, growth monitoring and
promotion sessions, immunization sessions, health days, and other community events.

Establishing incentives for the community workers in-kind, cash, transport, materials etc.

Creating a system of mother support groups as appropriate, including establishing targets for
the number of groups to be created over a specified time period.

Establishing how the mother support groups will function, the time commitment of its
members (e.g. how many meetings, group sessions, outreach visits etc.) and how the groups
will be replicated.

81

Defining the types and duration of training to be conducted for the different actors (e.g. IYCF
counsellors and mother support groups) and the materials to be used

Updating the knowledge and skills of health professionals on IYCF to ensure good quality
training and supervision of community cadres.

Planning training sessions for the identified community health workers/lay counsellors,
mother support groups and other available groups or cadres functioning at community level
(e.g. SBAs TBAs (see footnote on p.86), activists, promoters, health committees and other
volunteers) on IYCF.

Designing an effective system for sustained supportive supervision, mentoring and retraining
for the identified cadres and groups, and ensure that supervision is included in annual plans.

Ensuring a strong link with the health system, for example for referral, mentoring, supervision
and data collection.

Creating a structure for knowledge-sharing on IYCF in the community, such as billboards,

regular community meetings, religious gatherings, using outreach and child health days
systematically to disseminate IYCF messages, community theatre and music groups, mobile
video units etc.

3.3.2 Building capacity for and implementing community IYCF counselling

Profile of the community IYCF counsellor
Individual counselling on IYCF is a key intervention that can be delivered by a trained lay
counsellor, a skilled peer counsellor, a health visitor, community volunteer, paid community
health worker or extension worker. There is growing experience with the successful involvement
in counselling and support on IYCF, including on HIV and infant feeding, by community based
counsellors. The involvement of this cadre in IYCF counselling could also reduce some of the
time pressure on health workers and could significantly increase the counselling capacity in a
country. A skilled peer counsellor for IYCF is typically a woman who has given birth to at least
one child and is likely to have good skills and knowledge on successful breastfeeding and
complementary feeding although her success as a peer counsellor does not depend only on
her previous positive experiences with feeding her own children, but also on her training and her
ability to convey this knowledge and negotiate better practices with other women. The lay
counsellor, on the other hand, may not have personal or recent infant and young child feeding
experience and may be either a man or a woman. Educational levels may vary; it is desirable for
the counsellor to have at least Grade 5-8 level schooling.

Role, skills and knowledge

The role of the CHW/lay counsellor is not just to promote good IYCF practices, but to provide
practical support to mothers and help them solve common IYCF problems. The lay counsellor
needs to have accurate knowledge and skills about infant and young child feeding, be equipped
to negotiate feasible actions, help solve problems and be able to inspire the mother with
confidence in her abilities. Sufficient attention needs to be given during training to developing
interpersonal counselling skills, and not just on imparting the technical knowledge on IYCF.
Basic counselling skills include listening and learning, building the mother or caregivers trust and
confidence, providing support and practical help and negotiating behaviours and practices
through applying a simple form of the triple-A process (assess, analyze and act).
Training
The duration and scope of the initial training packages for community cadres on health and
nutrition vary greatly between countries and programmes, affording and necessitating a variety of
training options. A number of different opportunities present themselves for integrating IYCF
counselling training:

82

In some programmes, community workers are trained over a six-month period and cover a
wide range of topics. One option, therefore, is to integrate community IYCF counselling within
the overall pre-service training package for community cadres.

In other programmes, the community workers may receive a week-long training on the key
preventive health and nutrition topics, in which IYCF may be covered in a session of a few
hours. The latter may imply that the community worker receives some basic information to
promote good IYCF practices, but the time allotted to the IYCF component of the training may
not be sufficient to build the specific counselling and problem solving skills necessary to
provide practical support to mothers. This will then mean that the community worker has to
refer the mother and infant to the nearest health facility if there is a feeding problem if at all
the training has provided them with the skills to assess feeding practices properly. In such
contexts advocacy is needed to add a training programme that builds the IYCF counselling,
problem solving, group facilitation and communication skills of these community workers.

A growing number of countries are initiating and expanding community-based management

of acute malnutrition (CMAM) programmes, but many of these programmes focus on
screening and home treatment of malnourished children with little attention to counselling on
feeding of the child to prevent future episodes of SAM and promote good growth. The
creation of new CMAM programmes presents a good opportunity for IYCF counselling and
support actions to be included from the outset as the mandatory preventive module that
complements the training on identification and management of SAM. In established CMAM
programmes, IYCF content may be integrated in refresher training for existing community
cadres and added to training for new community workers as part of the scale up process
1
(See Resources Annex 1-8) .

Where there are no pre-existing community workers, the IYCF counselling training can be
provided as a stand-alone package to new community workers. In this case the IYCF
programme may serve as an entry-point for other community based health and nutrition
activities.

The new UNICEF Community IYCF Counselling Package (see Resources Annex 1-8) adapted to
the local context, is recommended for both initial and in-service training of community cadres.
Three-day and five-day sample schedules, as well as seven-day training in a modular approach
are options outlined in the package. An option for a three-day sessions with sessions tailored to
the context of SAM is also outlined. The package covers breastfeeding, complementary feeding,
HIV and infant feeding (based on the 2010 WHO guidelines), infant feeding in the context of
emergencies and SAM and maternal nutrition. It uses interactive adult learning techniques
particularly suited to people of low literacy and includes a set of 28 counselling cards. The
training methodology has been developed and tested over many years and represents
good practice in terms of effective skills building and learning new knowledge. The
package also contains a planning and adaptation guide, with detailed checklists on the adaptation
process. It also outlines the steps to adapt the graphics, using photographs, PhotoShop and
InDesign software to reproduce the same high-quality graphics for different settings.

Integration of IYCF into CMAM: Facilitator's Guide (IASC/IFE/ENN 2009) is a short training manual (1.5 days) to train
health care personnel and community health workers as trainers/facilitators in integrating recommended infant and young
child feeding (IYCF) practices within CMAM.

83

Figure 21: the UNICEF generic Community IYCF Counselling Package

The Package contains the following components:

1. Planning and
adaptation guide

2. Facilitator guide

5. Counselling cards (28)

7. Brochure: Nutrition during

pregnancy & breastfeeding

3. Training aids

4. Participant materials

6. Key messages booklet (for the cards)

8. Brochure: How to breastfeed

your baby

9. Brochure: How to feed

a baby after 6 months

The planning of the IYCF training using the training component of the Community IYCF
Counselling Package is covered in detail in the introduction to the Facilitator Guide of the
package.

Using multiple contacts

Multiple opportunities within the community setting can be used for sharing information, for
individual counselling, and for other behaviour change activities by community cadres. Group
meetings, growth monitoring or MUAC screening sessions, home visits and cooking sessions are
all examples. House to house visits to pregnant women and new mothers may also be planned.
Programmes and projects have been successful in achieving community-based behaviour
change work through multiple channels and combine various methods, ranging from individual

84

counselling by health facility and community-based workers, community group sessions and
information sharing through traditional channels and local media. Repeated contacts and
messages help to reinforce both knowledge and practice.
It may be helpful for community workers to set specific targets for activities, either as individuals
or as a group: e.g. for the expected pregnant and lactating women there would be in the
community who need to be followed up, or for the number of group sessions to be conducted, the
number of support groups to be created, or for the number of IYCF contacts to be made each
month at growth monitoring sessions, community meetings etc. These targets can be discussed
and set during the training and reinforced and followed up during mentoring and supervision.
Setting targets gives a concrete structure and focus to the activities and helps in monitoring
performance.
Linkages
Community-based IYCF support and counselling needs to be embedded in a larger context of
communication activities that disseminate consistent and relevant information to mothers, other
caregivers, as well as their support network, repeatedly and frequently. At the same time, the
community-based programme needs to be closely linked to health system actions and impart the
same messages on optimal practices and behaviours. The health system will often be involved in
training and supervising the community cadres, but NGOs may also be the main facilitators. In
both cases harmonization and consistency are essential. There should be a strong system of bidirectional referral: health workers should link mothers with lay counsellors or CWs and mother
support groups for ongoing support and counselling on infant feeding; and the community cadres
and groups should ensure that pregnant and lactating women attend consultations in health
facilities.
A growing number of countries are initiating and expanding community based programmes for
the management of severe and/or moderate acute malnutrition (generally referred to as CMAM).
Many of these programmes, however, focus on screening and home treatment of malnourished
children with little attention to counselling on feeding of the child to prevent future episodes of
SAM and promote good growth. The creation of new CMAM programmes presents a good
opportunity for IYCF counselling and support actions to be included from the outset. In
established CMAM programmes, IYCF content may be integrated in refresher training for existing
community cadres and added to training for new community workers as part of the scale up
process using the two-day integration module developed for the Nutrition Cluster [170] or the
UNICEF community IYCF package.
Similarly, more and more countries are implementing community case management (CCM)
programmes for malaria, diarrhoea and pneumonia. The IYCF counselling training can be
promoted as an integral module in a new CCM programme or can be provided later on to trained
workers or during refresher training. Advocacy for integration should highlight the fact that optimal
IYCF practices have a major impact on diarrhoea and pneumonia mortality and a community
based IYCF counselling programme could significantly enhance the potential for results of the
CCM programme in terms of reducing mortality from these diseases.
Another main programmatic success factor that has emerged from multiple reviews [171] is the
involvement of local NGOs, who often provided excellent facilitators as well as culture-relevant
training. They are usually accountable to the community, which facilitates sustainability to a great
extent.

3.3.3 Mother-to-mother support

Definition and scope
Mother-to-mother support for infant feeding means women helping women and is a method for
improving the health and well-being of women and their infants. Experienced breastfeeding
mothers model optimal breastfeeding practices, share information and experiences, and offer

85

support to other women in an atmosphere of trust and respect. Similarly, mothers who have
successfully fed their children from 6-23 months may model optimal complementary feeding
practices in the group. Mother-to-mother support is available in the mothers own community and
provides an essential complement to the health care system. The groups should aim to create a
supportive and safe space for mothers. Mother support group members may gather together at
regular meetings, they may provide individual support to mothers, they may facilitate larger
community events, may provide group education at health facilities or during outreach visits or
any other activities as needed.
A mother-to-mother support group is initiated and facilitated by a mother who facilitates the
group. She may have received training, but her primary qualification is that she is a mother with
1
breastfeeding experience . At the meetings organized by the mother support group, new, as well
as experienced mothers, share information and are encouraged to voice their doubts and
concerns. A mothers support group may also be facilitated by a health care provider, a
community health worker or someone who is considered an expert in a certain field. The
facilitator may not be a mother or belong to the same peer group. Mothers support groups can
take place in the context of clubs formed for the purpose of credit, arts/crafts, gardens, sewing,
etc. In some mothers support groups, new, as well as experienced mothers, share information
and are encouraged to voice their doubts and concerns; in others, information is given via talks or
lectures.

Background and evidence

Evidence shows improving maternal knowledge and feeding practices can lead to increased
dietary intake and growth of infants [172]. Various approaches to mother support groups have
been described in reviews and case studies [166,173]. Often, it is easier to learn from other
mothers within the community about positive practices. For example, recipe development and
demonstrations by mothers and for mothers within communities can prove to be a successful
method for improving the quality and quantity of complementary feeding. Practical
demonstrations of how to increase dietary diversity for young children with local foods is another
area highly amenable for implementation by mother support groups.
Information and advice on feeding has been successfully provided through mother support
groups specifically created for this purpose, as well as through existing mother-to-mother support
groups on broader health or nutrition issues. Mother support groups help to extend the care that
is provided within the community and in the health system to families in the home. At the same
time, mechanisms should be in place to refer mothers and babies with problems to health
facilities. Mother to mother support groups are also particularly important in contexts where the
institutional delivery rate is low and access or utilization of health services is poor.
With this in mind, the BFHI recommends the establishment of mother support groups as a
requirement for each baby-friendly hospital (Step 10 of the 10 Steps to Successful
Breastfeeding). Each maternity facility, regardless of its BFHI certification status, should aim to
establish links with mother-to-mother support groups in the catchment area. However, in many
settings, the hospital itself may not be in a position to create, train, supervise and support the
groups (this has been one of the weakest links of the BFHI). Other institutions of the Government,
NGOs or community-based organizations may need to support the establishment and functioning
of the groups.

An example of mother support is Positive Deviance strategies which can be used in a simple way in all mother to
mother support groups. Positive Deviance is a strength-based or asset-based approach based on the belief that in
every community there are certain individuals (Positive Deviants) whose special, or uncommon, practices and
behaviours enable them to find better ways to prevent malnutrition than their neighbours who share the same resources
and face the same risks. Through a dynamic process called the Positive Deviance Inquiry (PDI), program staff invites
community members to discover the unique practices that contribute to a better nutritional outcome in the child. The
program staff and community members then design an intervention to enable families with malnourished children to learn
and practice these and other beneficial behaviours. CORE has developed a manual on positive deviance for reducing
malnutrition (see Resources), which may be adapted (and simplified) for use in countries. NB Positive Deviance
approaches have only been applied in small-scale NGO supported projects thus far.

86

Design and planning:

In designing community based IYCF programmes that include mother to mother support groups,
a vision for scale is needed, ensuring that:
all communities are progressively reached with mother support groups
the tasks of the support groups include outreach
replication of the groups is mandated
each group has a target number of pregnant women and mothers of under-twos in the
community that the group should aim to reach.
group leaders form a network and meet periodically to discuss activities, progress and
challenges.
Groups receive ongoing support, monitoring and motivation
A good country example of a mother support network for IYCF that has been initiated and is
1
being scaled up in every district of the country is Sierra Leone .
Box 18: Summary case study on Sierra Leones mother support groups
The community IYCF activities involve the formation of mother support groups who conduct behaviour
change communication (BCC) activities on nutrition and hygiene, provide support to lactating mothers,
conduct food demonstrations and promote backyard gardening. The groups are supported by the creation
of baby friendly communities and are closely linked to the health facilities and to community workers who
conduct screening for acute malnutrition, health activities etc.
One partner NGO supports a whole district to implement community nutrition activities (IYCF and CMAM).
Starting in October 2009, all 12 of the districts (have established and trained at least three mother support
groups per chiefdom, or around 600 groups. By the end of 2010 it is planned that 1,600 -1,800 groups will
be established. The estimated cost to establish mother to mother groups has been around $60,000 per
district, and there have been concerted efforts to streamline the budgets.
It is envisaged that the groups will expand as the communities come to see benefits and the group
members take initiatives (and are encouraged) to create new groups. It will be important to document
whether this spontaneous replication actually occurs. It is also envisaged that the groups will become part
of a national mother support network, the We Pikin Network. It is also hoped the network will grow into a
movement for mothers and children to create and sustain positive change for child survival, growth and
development.
The training packages that are currently used for the mother support groups include a training on BCC
approaches and a training on BCC for various topics related to nutrition, hygiene, diarrhoea and social
aspects such as gender. The latter package, a three-day training, was selected by the nutrition partners
forum convened by UNICEF, which reviews various materials and selects packages the members feel to be
appropriate. Some of the topics in this package may be more nice to know rather than essential, priority
content. Currently there is no training on IYCF counselling at community level, the missing link in the
programme.
A positive aspect of the communication approach is that it is not centred on repeating generic messages,
but rather encourages debate on the barriers to implementing the good practices which everyone has heard
about.
The challenge will be to ensure all mothers and infants are reached, and for this a large number of groups
and proactive outreach are needed, complemented by continuous communication using various other
channels such as radio, religious leaders etc. The mother support groups do conduct some outreach and
house-to-house visits, but it is likely that some limit their activities to health talks at the PHUs and bimonthly meetings of small groups, which may not be sufficient to effect significant change among a large
number of mothers.

Training
Those involved in leading support groups should be oriented on the essentials of good
breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices as well as on counselling and
communication skills and group facilitation dynamics. Community workers may be mother support
1

Source: Notes from trip report, UNICEF HQ, May 2010

87

group leaders. The Community IYCF Counselling Package training includes sessions on how to
convene and facilitate mother support groups. Once groups are convened, the CW, supported by
health providers or NGO staff if required, can organize a series of group meetings to convey the
essentials of breastfeeding, complementary feeding and maternal nutrition and how to promote
and communicate and to support mothers. Abbreviated sessions and materials from the UNICEF
generic IYCF counselling package can be used for these sessions e.g. some of the counselling
cards. These materials need to be selected and prepared for use by the CWs and a plan on how
to use them to conduct the orientation of the groups needs to be provided. The initial sessions
need to be monitored and supported by the CWs supervisors.
Some programmes, such as the one in Sierra Leone (see case study in Box 16 above), have
undertaken a full training programme on IYCF and BCC through a three-day training workshop
for the mother support group members. This was done in absence of a community IYCF
counselling training and cadre of IYCF counsellors, but approach is unlikely to be possible or
realistic at scale in many countries.

3.3.4 Supportive supervision, monitoring and evaluation

Supervision on a regular and sustained basis
Supportive supervision and mentoring of the community workers and supervision of the mother
support groups are crucial to the success of a community-based programme. Supervision is often
the weakest link in a community based programme and needs to be given proper attention in the
design and planning of the programme. The team responsible for the community-based
programme should build a system for supervision and mentoring for all the different counselling
channels or contacts (e.g. C-IYCF counselling as a separate service, CMAM, GMP, CCM, CIMCI, outreach, etc.) at which counselling is given. The persons responsible for supervision need
to be clearly identified when the community IYCF programme is designed and planned. They may
be health providers from the health facilities linked to the community programme, or NGO staff, or
district staff, for example. The supervision activities need to be included in the regular workplans,
budgets and tasks of these supervisors, ensuring that they have the time to conduct the
supervision. It should not be seen as an optional task to be conducted only if there happens to be
time or logistical opportunities such as an available vehicle going in a particular direction or
similar. It should be institutionalized as part of the expected tasks of the identified staff, with
agreed targets for regularly scheduled supervisory visits. Supervisory visit reports should be part
of the monthly information and feedback provided to the worker and facility where he or she
works.
The supervisors also need to be provided with an orientation on supportive supervision and
mentoring of community workers, with tools (such as a supervision checklist) and resources
(such as transport funds) to undertake this activity. A toolkit for supervision is found in Annex 14
of the Planning and Adaptation Guide of the Community IYCF Counselling Package.
Some methods of strengthening supervision that may prove more effective than others include:

Observing (using a checklist) performance of a task.

Conducting periodic refresher skills-building sessions for community workers during
supervisory visits.
Gathering direct feedback from caregivers (e.g. home visits made by supervisor).
Conducting periodic group reviews at different levels.
Adding unscheduled visits (that is, the worker is unaware of the visit in advance) in
addition to any planned visits.

Feedback to community workers on their activities, the data they collect and their performance is
essential to further building skills, solving problems and to overall programme improvements.
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
A small set of clearly articulated indicators helps keep community IYCF promotion and support

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focused on the essentials and provides data for assessing progress and informing programme
strategies. Monitoring whether defined targets for activities were met during a certain period is
1
helpful to assess performance of the CWs and mother support groups . Examples of targets
could include:

% of targeted pregnant and lactating women in the community who were counselled at least
once.

% of target mothers attending a mother support group meeting (per time period).

% of target contact points (e.g. GMP or MUAC screening session, outreach visit by clinic, well
child/immunization session at clinic, health post, community meeting, etc.) at which IYCF
counselling provided (per time period).

% of group sessions conducted out of the target number planned.

% of support groups created out of target number planned.

Key basic principles for the use of information for action include the requirements to: only collect
data that will be used; maximize the use of data at the level they are collected; and to collect the
minimum, feasible amount of data required to inform and improve decisions leading to action.
Well-designed surveys and costs studies will enable programme managers to determine with
greater confidence what works and at what cost. This information is valuable for future
program planning and implementation as well as evidence-based advocacy.

These are addressed in more detail in Appendix 14: Package of supervisory tools in the Planning and Adaptation Guide
of the Community IYCF Counselling Package.

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3.4 Communication
Overview of section for Communication on IYCF:
3.4.1 Establishment of a national coordination mechanism for communication aspects of the
national IYCF strategy
3.4.2 Assessing and analysing the communication situation, including formative research
3.4.3 Development of a communication strategy and operational plan
3.4.4 Design of messages and materials and selection of channels
3.4.5 Implementation of the communication plan
3.4.6 Monitoring interim communication outcomes and evaluating impact on behaviours

Introduction
This section of the Programme Guidance provides general guidance on approaches to designing
1
and implementing an evidence and results-based communication strategy on IYCF and contains
six action areas of a Triple-A type process. Communication should be viewed broadly: not as only
a community-based action, or only a massmedia campaign, but as a comprehensive national
strategy and set of actions with a broad stakeholder base and participation, and the use of
multiple communication channels.
Box 19: Communication for Improved
Communication for IYCF, an essential contributor
IYCF Practices:
to large-scale behavioural and social change,
Policy dialogue and advocacy to build
should be an intrinsic element of any national Child
support for IYCF & the communication
Survival/Health and Nutrition programme.
strategy.

Countries where significant gains in exclusive

breastfeeding rates (e.g., Cambodia, Ghana,
Madagascar, and Malawi) were achieved included
communication as part of a comprehensive
approach to IYCF.
Communication broadly encompasses advocacy,
social mobilization, social marketing, and
behaviour and social communication. (See
Annex 2: Glossary for the definitions of these
above noted terms).
Box 16 summarizes some of the key elements of a
successful
communication
strategy.
Using
participatory processes with stakeholders and
beneficiaries, an effective communication strategy
can be developed by analysing formative research
data and other evidence on IYCF to tailor the
optimal set of objectives, approaches, activities,
communication tools, channels, and messages.

Formative research, including behavioural

assessment with an analysis of benefits and
barriers to change within the population,
assessment of participant groups,
identification of specific, feasible actions by
different groups that achieve the desired
outcomes and assessment of communication
channels.
Development of targeted, concise
messages to promote do-able actions
along with practical help.
Consistent messages and materials across
all program communication channels & wider
IYCF programme to address critical
behaviours and attitudes.
Building counseling and communication
skills for health and community workers &
other communicators.
Multiple exposures of specific participant

A participatory approach throughout the process

groups to messages through selection of
of developing and implementing the communication
appropriate channels (mass media, print,
strategy should help address the actual barriers to
interpersonal, event, traditional, religious etc).
the optimal IYCF practices and to ensure the
Monitoring of behavioural objectives for all
recommended behaviours are feasible to
participant groups & evaluation of impact.
implement. Barriers to optimal IYCF practices are
often related to social norms and so the
communication strategy needs to contain a focus on transforming these norms.

UNICEF uses the term Communication for Development (C4D) but in this Guidance document the generic term
communication is used.

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The boxes below summarize some of the key dos and donts of communication on
breastfeeding based on lessons learned (and can be applied to communication on
complementary feeding as well.)
Dos:
1. Use evidence from KAP studies
and barrier analysis to design
strategies (including
messages).
2. Emphasize the risks of artificial
or mixed feeding as well as
benefits of breastfeeding.
3. Use multiple channels with
emphasis on inter-personal
communication and
community-based approaches.
4. Ensure continuous
communication at multiple
levels.

Donts:
1. Use generic messages (e.g. breast is
best or breastfeed exclusively for 6
months or breastfed baby = healthy
baby) with no discussion of WHY and no
context.
2. Focus only on the benefits of BF with no
mention of risks of sub-optimal feeding
practices.
3. Rely heavily on information, education,
communication (e.g., posters, slogans,
mass media).
4. Expect a campaign approach to be
sufficient on its own (e.g., World
Breastfeeding Week).

It is critical to learn from experiences with different approaches to communication on IYCF: a

programme should not expect that repeating the same messages and approaches that were
used in the past with limited impact will produce different results. Successful programmes
have demonstrated that investment in the process required to design and implement an
evidence-based, participatory communication strategy using multiple appropriate channels will
produce results. To achieve behaviour and social change, findings support a shift in approach
toward a process that:

Is systematic, strategic, evidence-based, participatory and at scale.

Has measurable behavioural and process objectives.
Reflects values, local and larger contexts and potential for family members, including
children, and many other participant groups to be agents of change.
Focuses on social transformation for sustainable results.
Is based on human rights principles of inclusivity, equity and universality.

Operationalization of this shift in approach is summarized in the 6 steps described below.

3.4.1 Establishment of national communication coordination

mechanism
To focus on IYCF communication issues, it is necessary to form a national coordination team that
will coordinate the development and implementation of national strategies and activities. The
team membership should include not only national managers and planners, but also
implementing partners, communication and monitoring experts and other partners such as
community groups. The communication activities could be coordinated by the same team that
coordinates IYCF overall, but additional stakeholders and experts specializing in communication
should be part of this team as well.

3.4.2 Undertaking a communication situation assessment and

analysis
Situation assessment
A situation assessment using both quantitative and qualitative methods and drawing on existing

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information as much as possible should be undertaken to understand IYCF behaviours and

1
practices (See Chapter 2.2 on IYCF Situation Assessment) . Successful communication
programmes derive from formative research using a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods.
As has already been highlighted, the formative research on IYCF is used to design the
communication strategy, the counseling tools for health providers, counselors and community
workers and the advocacy messages for policy makers and other stakeholders. These various
tools should all reflect the same fundamental messages. Many tools are available for
conducting formative research, some of them specifically tailored to IYCF. (See Resources
Annex 1-3
A thorough study of the factors that may influence infant feeding practices of different people in a
community is a critical first step in any IYCF communication strategy. In depth knowledge of what
mothers currently practice, what they value and what motivates them, how their families and
communities influence them and which benefits of the optimal IYCF practices will appeal to them,
will lead to designing effective communication strategy. The time, effort and resources required to
gather and analyze this formative research data and to use it in designing the communication
strategy is worthwhile as a strategy developed on the basis of the research is ultimately more
likely to achieve results.
Quantitative data provides information on exclusive breastfeeding rates in a population and
helps understand where the problems lie. This data is readily available in many countries from
household surveys such as DHS and MICS and quantitative Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices
(KAP) studies. It is recommended to conduct KAP studies if these have not been undertaken
before, which can be also can be used for advocacy and policy purposes.
Qualitative or social data tells the why of the problem, with in-depth understanding of factors
influencing and motivating people. In order to collect qualitative data on KAP related to IYCF,
methods such as household trials, focus group discussions, counselling observations, key
informant interviews, facility-level assessments, small studies, participatory rapid assessment,
and community and market visits are used to better understand barriers and readiness to change
behaviours. The research should be done with the communities in a participatory manner as
much as possible.
A key aspect of qualitative research is behavioural assessment which is important to determine
the direct and underlying factors that influence IYCF practices. This may include assessment of
who is or is not practicing which behaviour that contributes to the problem, the underlying factors
and influences for behaviours and practices of different groups. Understanding the barriers to
desired behaviours, the current facilitating, positive practices that could support the desired
behaviours and the opportunities for changing practices is important. Gender issues, divergent
practices and views in different groups in the population, power relationships, social networks and
community-wide practices are all factors to be explored.
Examples of assessment questions
i. What information already exists about EBF
practices of different groups of women and
behaviors of groups who may influence
them?
ii. What are the reasons mothers practice these
behaviours?
iii. Who influences mothers to practice
undesirable behaviours?
iv. What are the roles of different members of
household in feeding the infant, such as
grandmothers or the husbands/partners?
v. What are the views of different participant
groups on infant care, breastfeeding,
exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, formula

Box 20:
In Ghana one problem that was encountered
was breastfeeding on the run. At each feed
mothers gave a little bit of milk from both
breasts, so children were not suckling enough
to get the rich hind milk. Because of this,
mothers were tempted to give other foods
since they thought their babies were
hungryand they were! The standard
message to give the breast at least 10 times
a day was thus inappropriate for Ghana since
mothers were already giving the breast as
much as 20 times a day.
Linkages Ghana

The situation assessment may be conducted as a single process to inform the development of the community and
communication components of the IYCF programme, as well as the counselling tools for health providers.

92

feeding/mixed feeding, and family roles?

Who benefits from not practicing the desired behaviours?
What resources for exclusive breastfeeding are already in place?
Which family and community members can support mothers during the 6 EBF months?
What actions and behaviours to improve EBF practices do you want to achieve at each level
as a result of planned activities and most importantly as part of the overall social
transformation process?
x. Why have these results not been achieved up to now?

vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.

The formative research will likely reveal a number of myths and beliefs about infant feeding,
some of which are included in Box 21. Many of these will need to be countered in the
communication messages.
Box 21: Common Beliefs about Infant Feeding That Are Not True
On breastmilk:

Colostrum should be discarded.

Colostrum is dirty.

Colostrum is yellow because it has been in the breast for too long and has gone bad.

A baby should not be suckled until the white milk comes in.

Most women cannot produce enough milk, and therefore need to feed the baby other foods/milk

Feeding other foods, milk and water together with breastmilk in the first six months is necessary and
is not a problem.

Babies need to receive traditional teas and medicines.

Every baby needs water.

Breastmilk is too thin.

Milk that accumulates when the mother is separated from her baby should not be given to the baby

Breastmilk gives some babies allergies.

A sick infant should only be given rice water.

Giving water, other liquids and milks in addition to breastmilk is fine in industrialized or middle
income countries or in wealthier families with safe water sources and good sanitation and hygiene
facilities and will not cause diarrhea.
On formula:

Bottle feeding is harmless and hygienic.

Formula is as good as breastmilk.

Formula is the normal way to feed a baby.

Babies in industrialized or middle income countries can safely be fed water or formula together with
breastmilk as the risks of contamination and diarrhea are minimal.
On the mothers practices

Breastfeeding is too hard, painful, messy and inconvenient.

Mothers cannot eat or drink certain foods or liquids during breastfeeding and can only breastfeed if
they have a perfect diet.

A mother cant breastfeed and work.

A womans breasts are sexual and belong to the partner.

Breastfeeding ruins your breasts.

Breastfeeding is "gross", should only be done in private.

A mother who is angry or frightened should not breastfeed.

A mother who is ill should not breastfeed.

A mother who is pregnant should not breastfeed.

A mother who is malnourished cannot produce enough milk and cannot breastfeed.

A mother who is breastfeeding cannot have sex as the milk will go bad; therefore she should stop.
breastfeeding soon so that sexual relations can resume.

Determining whose behaviours related to IYCF are the focus should be done to the extent
possible before the formative research begins. Some groups, such as fathers and mothers-in-law,
should be included in the formative research; others such as employers may also emerge as
important. The findings may indicate that different strategies or approaches may be needed for
different groups.

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An important component of the formative research is identification of available communication

channels in the different target areas and for different groups in the population, and their
potential to be good sources of information on child feeding/nutrition/public health. Media and
channels of communication are identified through national surveys and in-depth formative
research. Examples of different communication channels include interpersonal communication
such as individual counselling and promotion; group sessions such as mother support group
meetings; health education sessions; community meetings; religious channels; videos; shows;
theatre etc., print media including magazines, brochures, cartoons, etc.; mass media and
information and communications technology like cell phones and the internet.

Analysis of the formative research

Analysis of the formative research encompasses the IYCF behaviours, potential participant
groups for communication, potential communication channels that will be used for the
communication strategy and analysis of past experiences and lessons learned on communication
for IYCF will include:

Behavioural analysis: Using the formative research findings, behavioural analysis will
enable the incentives and barriers to breastfeeding will be identified. This guides the
1
development of the communication strategy, SMART programme objectives and activities.
This implies full review and discussion of the data to understand the types of behaviours, the
reasons and motivators for them, the facilitating factors and barriers and the social, cultural,
gender, economic and political context in which they take place. For example, is it pride in a
child who is growing well and not getting diarrhea that may motivate a caregiver to not give
water or other liquids and foods before 6 months? Or is it a better understanding of risks of
mixed feeding and artificial feeding? Or how the prevailing social norm in the community
influences them?

Participant analysis: Analysis should also be undertaken to understand who influences

feeding practices and where the different groups currently are in relation to their stage of
awareness, knowledge and practice of the desired behaviours. The level of political will and
resources of the Government for IYCF communication activities is examined. Information on
the level of donor commitment is also important and should be integrated into the overall
analysis.

Channel analysis examines the range of available communication channels and how they
are accessed and used by intended participant groups. The analysis phase determines which
channels are likely to be most effective in reaching and influencing the different participant
groups, and which ones less so.

Communication experiences: Past and current communication experiences of various

groups to promote good IYCF practices should be analyzed for lessons learned and possible
replication (or avoidance). Analysis includes the availability of existing human resources for
communication (such as community health workers, religious groups or womens groups) and
what their capacities are.

3.4.3 Development of a communication strategy and operational plan

The starting point for implementation of communication activities should be a well-coordinated
strategy involving all stakeholders. A strategy involves higher-level thinking that defines why the
issue is being addressed, what the overarching goal and specific objectives are, what key
principles will be observed and what should be done to achieve the objectives. Based on the
results and analysis of the formative research, the IYCF communication strategy should
complement, or feed into, the overall national strategy on child nutrition, and followed by detailed
operational plan indicating targets, actions, responsible party and budget.

Specific, measureable, achievable, realistic and time-bound

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It is also important to design the monitoring system for the implementation of the communication
actions from the outset - not later on once implementation has already started - identifying how
information will be collected, by whom, how often, with which resources and how it will be
compiled and used.
See Resources Annex 1-9 for some relevant resources and tools for communication planning and
1
some examples of country communication strategies .

Deciding on communication objectives for behaviour change

An important step in the planning process is to develop objectives for the communication strategy
based on the results of assessment and analysis. Meeting communication objectives contributes
to achieving the overall programme goals. However, the main outcomes of communication
programs are usually health or social behaviors that support the overall program goal.
Communication and programme strategies may sometimes have different objectives, although
they may share some of the same elements. In particular:

Outcome objectives for the communication strategy focus on what can be achieved entirely
through communication, addressing behavioural, social change and advocacy objectives.
Outcome objectives for an IYCF programme rely on a broader range of strategies that
includes communication.

A communication objective for behaviour and social change is SMART and indicates who-will-dowhat.
i. Behavioural objectives should be defined for primary participant groups (e.g. mothers,
fathers, grandmothers); for example
To increase the proportion of mothers with infants less than six months who do not give
water along with breastmilk.
At least 60 per cent of women with infants less than 2 years report at least one contact
with a mother support group.
ii. Social change objectives for secondary participants (e.g. health providers, community
workers, religious leaders, etc.), for example:
Trained health providers/CHWs will develop plans for conducting communication
sessions on IYCF and implement at least 70% of planned sessions.
Trained health providers/CHWs use at least 3 of 4 main communication skills see box
22 below).
At least 20% of religious leaders are sensitized and promote priority IYCF practices
during their regular and special prayers and ceremonies.
iii. Advocacy objectives for tertiary participant groups (e.g. policy and decision makers,
Government authorities). For example:

50% of local government authorities (all directors and programme managers) and
development partners are sensitized about the National IYCF Strategy and initiate
allocation of resources for implementing relevant sections of the action plan.
Reporters and gatekeepers from 50% of national media outlets (print, broadcast, radio
and web) producing increased coverage on IYCF practices and impact on child mortality,
nutrition, health and development.
See the section on Monitoring and evaluation of the effect of communication on behaviour in this
chapter for more information on monitoring of the achievement of the communication objectives
and review and evaluation of the outcomes.
1

Including: Communication for development in IYCF: Improving exclusive breast feeding practices; Using
Communication for Development in ACSD Programmes (under development, 2010) and Behaviour Change
Communication in Emergencies: A Toolkit (UNICEF 2006), which contains practical tools for developing a communication
strategy which can be applied to non-emergency situations as well. Facts for Life (UNICEF 2010) also includes basic
information on breastfeeding and may be useful.

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Box 22: Key communication skills

1.Establishes rapport or friendly relations with community members, sometimes called

smooth interpersonal relations:
Starts with greetings and by engaging members in a respectful, relaxed conversation on a common
topic of interest.
Fosters friendly environment through praise, smiles/facial expression, posture, other non-verbal
gestures.
Inspires confidence and trust by showing that he/she understands and respects local customs,
traditions and norms, and speaks the local language.
Avoids judgmental tones.

2.Listens actively and attentively:

Encourages all members to express ideas, problems and issues.
Maintains appropriate eye contact with all members.
Shows empathy with members by indicating interest in understanding their views.

3.Involves and inspires members in friendly debate and dialogue to express opinions,
discuss problems/issues, make decisions and agree on collective actions:
Manages group discussion, problem solving and conflict resolution.
Asks open-ended questions to check for understanding
Uses local examples, anecdotes, humour (as appropriate), and engages members to share own
stories to illustrate/explain subject or issue and to reflect on their feeling and actions (touches their
hearts and not just their minds)
Invites feedback, ideas, comments and suggestions
Assists in examining consequences of each option discussed
If not from community, trains and involves local mobilizers/animators to facilitate

4.Explains subject matter and answers questions clearly, credibly and with confidence
Encourages both girls and boys, women and men, marginalized and disabled to participate and
avail of opportunity to benefit
Summarizes points of discussion and actions

Determining the participant groups for behaviour change

Communication for behaviour and social change requires the participation of numerous
stakeholders and groups, including caregivers of infants and young children, family and
community members, community leaders, community workers, health providers, religious
institutions, opinion leaders, the media, managers, decision and policy makers and many others.
In the process of designing and implementing the communication strategy for IYCF, a
participatory process is considered highly important. Therefore, the various groups whose
behavior and social norms are being addressed are called participant groups rather than target
audience, as the latter implies a one-way approach.
Public health and IYCF programmes should not limit themselves to interventions directed towards
mothers often considered the primary participant group. The behaviours of other primary
participants who influence the mother, such as family members especially fathers and elder
women, as well as secondary and tertiary participant groups, are often not addressed in a
communication strategy. Yet they are critical to achieving IYCF outcomes. Figure 22 shows the
likely participant groups for an IYCF communication strategy at different levels and the
communication approaches that may be used for each participant group.

96

Figure 22: IYCF participant groups and communication approaches

Communication Approaches

Levels

INDIVIDUAL/

Primary
participants

HOUSEHOLD

Mothers, Fathers, Other Caregivers, Girls, Boys

Secondary participants
COMMUNITY

HEALTH FACILITY

Social mobilization, community

action for social change through
community dialogue & collective
agreement, creation of enabling
environment, building capacity for
counseling, interpersonal
communication, group facilitation
skills

CBOs, community leaders, womens groups, schools,

civic groups, religious and traditional leaders,
community health workers/lay counsellors,
mother support groups, local and
community media
Health workers
Use of counseling, interpersonal
(public and private faith-based)
communication, group facilitation
skills, promoting positive social
norms
Tertiary participants

SUB-NATIONAL
(STATE, DISTRICT)

NATIONAL

Participation in behaviour and

social change communication,
sustained adoption of good
practices, support for
family/household members

Local-level advocacy for resource

Policy Makers, Planners,
allocation, policy implementation,
Development Partners,
accountability, collect, analyze and use
Donors, Academia,
monitoring data
Mass & Sub-natl
Media,
Advocacy for policy change, resource allocation,
Private
implementation, accountability, mass media
Sector
promoting positive social norms

Coordinating & Harmonizing Across Levels to Effect Behaviour and Social Change

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Determining the behaviours and practices to include in messages

The formative research should compare the essential ideal behaviours for exclusive breastfeeding
to the actual behaviours observed during the formative research, and establish the main barriers,
myths and norms that lead to deviations from the recommended practices. The same is true for
essential behaviours for complementary feeding.
Box 23: Essential behaviours for
exclusive breastfeeding

Box 24: Essential Behaviours for

complementary feeding

A mother practices optimal breastfeeding

during the first six months when she:

A mother practices optimal complementary feeding

during the period 6-23m of the infants life when she:

1.

1. Starts feeding additional foods to the child at the age

of 6 months.
2. Starts with soft or mushy foods at first that are age
appropriate and are not too thin or thick, and
gradually shifts to foods of a solid consistency if the
child is ready.
3. Continues breastfeeding up to two years of age or
beyond.
4. Offers solid or semi-solid foods 2-3 times per days
when child is between 6-8 months of age, and 3-4
times per day after that, and offers nutritious snacks 1
or 2 times per day, as desired.
5. Offers a variety of foods, from all the food groups
(grains, roots and tubers, legumes and nuts, animal
source foods and fruits and vegetables) and
increases in variety and quantity as the child grows.
6. Practices good hygiene in preparation and storage of
complementary foods (including washing hands
before and using clean water and utensils).
7. Continues breastfeeding and feeding complementary
foods during illness.
8. Gives the child iron-rich foods such as animal source
foods or iron supplements if iron-rich foods are less
available.
9. Uses feeding times for interacting with the child, to
teach and stimulate social development as well as
encourage the child to eat.

Initiates breastfeeding within one

hour of birth.
2. Feeds the colostrum to the baby.
3. Positions and attaches the infant
correctly at the breast.
4. Breastfeeds on demand.
5. Breastfeeds frequently during the
day.
6. Breastfeeds during the night.
7. Offers second breast after infant
empties the first.
8. Gives only breastmilk; gives no
water or teas or any other liquids or
foods.
9. Continues breastfeeding when she
is sick.
10. Increases breastfeeding frequency
during and after infants illness,
including diarrhea.
11. Seeks help from a trained health
worker or counselor if she has
problems with breastfeeding.
12. Eats sufficient nutritious foods
herself and takes supplements as
recommended by the health
provider.

However, it is emphasized that this list of correct behaviours should not be seen as the exact
messages to be reflected in communication materials. They need to be adapted for use with the
different participant groups
Often, planners get caught up in what is medically correct, and recommend an ideal behaviour
without examining whether it is feasible. Recommending a long list of behaviours or complex
behaviours reduces the credibility of the advice and makes it seem impossible to do. One result of
analysis is to make sure messages promote feasible behaviours and are linked with other activities
that help to improve feasibility of the recommended behaviours and practices. The analysis needs to
address the requirements to practice each desired behaviour (time, resources, skills, products), the
extent to which people are already engaging in it, its acceptability to the various participant groups,
the short and long term benefits, and the immediate and long term consequences of NOT engaging in
the desired practices. To adopt and maintain the new practice, women need to be surrounded by a
1

These ideal behaviours are derived from WHO recommendations on optimal practices. They may also be found in Facts for
Life (Resources Annex 1-9).

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supportive community that also believes in the value of the new practice. An enabling environment
needs to be created that may include a reduction in workload, support from family members, correct
and practical advice from health workers and counselling support to clarify misconceptions about
breastfeeding. Therefore additional activities need to be conducted to make the messages on
behaviours feasible to implement based on the local context, such as conducive health facility and
workplace policies and practices, support services, helplines etc.
Box 25: Examples of feasibility considerations and contextualization of breastfeeding messages

The advice to women who must return to work or will be separated from their infant during EBF months
is often to express breastmilk and feed it to the baby from a cup. But is this even feasible? Behaviour
analysis can put a microscope on the behaviours to express and store breastmilk. What are milk
expression techniques? How long does it take to express enough milk for a feeding? Does a working
mother have adequate time and place to express? How should she store the milk? How long will the
milk last without refrigeration? What are recommended feeding techniques (cup or bottle) and are they
available? What does the community think about expressing breastmilk is it acceptable, or does the
prevailing social norm not favour expressing? Focus group discussions with women who have
expressed milk and behaviour observations of expressing, storage and feeding are important in making
messages for working women.

In Ghana one problem that was encountered was breastfeeding on the run. At each feed mothers gave
a little bit of milk from both breasts, so children were not suckling enough to get the rich hind milk.
Because of this, mothers were tempted to give other foods since they thought their babies were
hungryand they were! The standard message to give the breast at least 10 times a day was thus
inappropriate for Ghana since mothers were already giving the breast as much as 20 times a day.
1

Trials of Improved Practices (TIPS) is one approach that can be used to test the feasibility and
acceptability of feeding recommendations among the participant groups, including health workers.
TIPS is a formative research technique used by program planners to pretest the actual practices that
a program will promote. (See Resources Annex 1-3 for more tools for formative research.)

3.4.4. Design of messages and materials and selection of channels

Getting the message right
An IYCF communication strategy and plan should focus on a small selection of priority themes with
the greatest public health impact according to studies and surveys in the country. It should avoid
trying to address too many themes and messages simultaneously, as this can diminish the potential
impact.
The way language is used to promote breastfeeding is crucial. Evidence shows that raising the
issue of disease, survival or death (breastfeeding saves lives) or generic messages based on expert
opinions and recommendations (breastfeed exclusively for the first six months; breastfeeding is
best, dont give water or your baby doesnt need water, feed a balanced diet, feed a variety of
foods, etc.) have little success in changing peoples behaviour. These types of abstract messages,
still commonly used in communication activities, offer little explanation of why the behavior is
recommended. They do not focus on concrete doable actions, do not address the socio-cultural
barriers to optimal practices, and do not provide the opportunity to discuss and debate how
behaviours might change.
1

The procedure for TIPs consists of a series of visits in which the interviewer and the participant analyze current practices,
discuss what could be improved, and together reach an agreement on one or a few solutions to try over a trial period; and then
assess the trial experience together at the end of the trial period. The process leads to identification of ways to gauge the
acceptability of new practices and learn how to promote and support them through program interventions.

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It is likely that the tendency to select these types of generic messages may be due to the ease of
rapidly producing posters, radio spots etc. However, this approach may result in little more than
providing visibility for the producer of the poster or spot, decorating the walls of clinics or allowing the
programme manager to report that an action to promote breastfeeding has been undertaken.
Ensuring that the messages resonate with the target communities, are doable and feasible and
actually motivate behavior change involves the process of formative research, pre-testing and
ongoing monitoring and review that are described in this chapter.
It is vital to encourage debate and discussion so that communities can propose their own solutions,
messages and communication approaches that address the barriers to optimal feeding. Using
participatory communication methods such as group meetings with primary caregivers, peer
educators and one to-one counselling is helpful in determining meaningful infant and child health
related messages that they will understand. In addition, it is important to focus on a few messages
only: those that are vital to influencing current practices in the country.
The priority messages that are selected should be:

Clear, practical and understandable: promoting or prompting small, doable actions

Appealing, memorable and able to hold the attention of intended participants
Credible /believable
Acceptable and appropriate to the local culture and language
Relevant to intended participants prevailing circumstances
Addressing the barriers, norms and beliefs in the community

Communication on breastfeeding has traditionally focused on promoting the benefits of

breastfeeding but this does not always result in more women breastfeeding. Little attention is
usually devoted to highlighting the risks of formula feeding and mixed feeding. In some settings, the
generic messaging style on the benefits of breastfeeding used by many breastfeeding advocates and
communicators does not resonate and lead to behaviour change, and may even end up subverting
the good intentions of encouraging mothers to breastfeed [174], as highlighted in one of the examples
in Box 26:
Box 26: Examples of messages on benefits of breastfeeding and risks of not breastfeeding

Exclusive breastfeeding is a straight-forward health issue. The real issue with formula feeding and mixed
feeding is the proven higher morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the risks of formula feeding or mixed
feeding need to be properly and correctly explained and communicated to all mothers, to ensure that the
mother and her family have all the necessary information to make informed decisions.
If messages are designed only around the "benefits of breastfeeding," in some societies, particularly
where breastfeeding is not the norm, they may lead to the implication that formula is normal and
adequate and breastfeeding (the best way to feed your baby) is something ideal or "extra". People
are usually satisfied with normal behaviours, while ideal behaviours are perceived to be unattainable.
Thus, instead of focusing only on the "benefits of breastfeeding," messages should also address the
risks of not breastfeeding, or the risks of mixed feeding (such as the risks of adding water, etc.
depending on the local context).
Because breastfeeding is the biological norm, instead of only having messages stating breastfed babies
are healthier, messages highlighting that artificially-fed babies are ill more often and more seriously
should also be included.
On mixed feeding, rather than highlighting that mothers should exclusively breastfeed your baby,
messages could also emphasize that adding water, tea, milk or food to breastfeeding makes your baby
sick and thin.
Instead of mentioning that breastfeeding prevents cancer, diabetes and obesity, messages should
highlight that non-breastfed infants have a higher risk of chronic conditions later in life compared to
breastfed infants.

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In addition to messages around the benefits of breastfeeding and optimal breastfeeding practices,
countries could also develop messages around the risks of artificial feeding or sub-optimal
breastfeeding practices. All messages need to be pre-tested.
Some advertisements regarding the use of BMS and messages harmful to breastfeeding may have to
be countered with messages that reinforce the benefits of breastfeeding and highlight the risks of
artificial feeding.
(See Resources Annex 1-9 for some examples of key messages and communication on exclusive
breastfeeding and complementary feeding, including those in the flagship Facts for Life publication.)

Selection of communication channels

Once the formative research results have been translated into core messages, the most appropriate
channels to deliver and exchange messages to and with different participant groups should be
determined. The following are examples of common channels and how they can be utilized to
communicate on IYCF:
Interpersonal communication involves face-to-face dialogue between individuals or groups. It can
take place anywhere. It can be informal at any place and during conversations with family and friends.
It can be also formal through discussions in household visits, mother support groups, health clinic
group sessions, community meetings, women's group meetings, youth organizations and adult
literacy classes. Interpersonal communication provides opportunities to ask questions and resolve
doubts, to discuss inhibiting factors and obstacles, and to develop solutions. It should usually be
prioritized in a communication strategy.
Community, traditional or mid media communication refers to materials and communication
channels that are in-between an interpersonal and a mass audience approach. Street theatre and
performances of poetry, song and puppetry are examples. They also include videos, DVDs,
audiocassettes and community radio programmes, usually accompanied by group discussion.
Religious institutions could also be a powerful channel to deliver messages on feeding and care of
children in societies where religion is widely practised and influential.
Mass media channels include radio, television, newspapers, magazines and the internet, which are
excellent tools for reaching large numbers of people to introduce and reinforce new information,
promote desired behaviours, and lead to social change. Information on IYCF can be presented
through interviews, news articles, discussions, radio or television drama, soap operas, puppet shows,
comics, jingles or songs, quizzes, contests and call-in shows. Increasingly, cell phones are being
used to pass simple messages about health and may be considered for IYCF. If well monitored for
results, this will contribute to the evidence of their effectiveness.
Print materials such as flip charts and counselling cards are used to support interpersonal
communication and never used as stand-alone channels. Print materials remind people of the
messages and provide more detailed information. If used well, they can help persuade an individual
to try a new behaviour. However, print materials should not be the main delivery method in any
context.
If resources are limited, the priority should be on interpersonal communication and mass media.
The strengths and weaknesses of channels, as well as their accessibility to all participant groups
should be taken into consideration during design of communication activities. Low literacy rates,
limited female mobility and other gender issues, access by disadvantaged and excluded groups,
nomadic and displaced people and those living in remote areas are all examples of factors to
consider in channel selection.

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Importance of using multiple channels: Evidence shows that successful efforts use multiple
channels to reach priority audiences with age- and context-specific messages on particular
behaviours. They need to reach the primary audience frequently enough to stimulate lasting
behavioural change. The messages should be regularly delivered and reinforced through the multiple
channels, and should be consistent with the messages conveyed by health providers and community
cadres.

Pre-testing
Pre-testing is an important step which helps to ensure that the strategy will ensure achievement of
expected results for improving IYCF.
Messages and the methods and channels to deliver the messages (see the section below on channel
analysis) should be pre-tested with the representation of all the intended participant groups. The use
of the identified channels should also be pre-tested this may be done through implementation of the
strategy in demonstration areas - to see which channels are most effective and appropriate in
reaching the different participant groups.

Design of the action plan

Once the participant groups, messages and channels have been identified and pre-tested, the overall
operational or action plan for communication can be designed. Communication planning can be
facilitated by using a comprehensive planning matrix for the plan. (Different models for this exist,
and the matrix, developed by UNICEF, in Annex 3 is included as an example.)
World Breastfeeding Week may feature as one element in the design of the communication plan,
which affords a focused opportunity for advocacy with decision makers and delivering messages to
the general population about optimal breastfeeding practices. However, limiting communication
activities to World Breastfeeding Week alone is not sufficient to achieve significant and sustained
results an ongoing, multi-channel approach is needed.
As part of the communication action plan, it is important to prioritize training of health providers,
community workers, mother support groups, etc., on effective interpersonal communication
techniques, positive counselling and negotiation skills should be organized. Techniques on the
effective use of counselling cards, flip charts, and other job aids during individual and group contacts
should be included.
A communication plan that seeks to create demand for IYCF counselling services or supplements for
complementary feeding is not helpful if IYCF counselling services are not easily accessible or the
supplements are not available. Therefore, it needs to be linked to the service components of the
overall IYCF programme. For example, it is often believed that general promotion of breastfeeding,
whether through mass-media campaigns or by health workers, is sufficient to reach significant result.
However, it has proven to be insufficient since breastfeeding women need practical support and
assistance with solving problems from trained health workers and counselors, alongside action
oriented, locally tailored and frequently repeated messages.
Note: Communication strategies need to appropriately address HIV and infant feeding actions.
Specific HIV and infant feeding issues related to communication are addressed in the separate HIV
and infant feeding chapter in this guidance document.

3.4.5 Implementation of the communication strategy

The action plan for implementation and monitoring of the communication strategy should be

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integrated within the overall national IYCF strategy and plan and the local microplans. Some
elements will need to be included in the action plans of different sectors, for example, the
communication research, monitoring and evaluation component and the media aspects. Opportunities
for synergy amongst the service delivery system and the community level should be maximized. For
example, if in-service training for health workers, lay counsellors or community health workers on
IYCF counselling is planned, sessions on communication approaches and skills can be added.
Synergies with other related programmes such as IMCI, PMTCT or CMAM, should also be explored
to add communication skills training and define entry points for communication in IYCF.

3.4.6 Monitoring and evaluation of the effect of communication on

behaviour
Monitoring and evaluation are essential to any strategic communication plan and should be built in
from the beginning. The results of ongoing monitoring and periodic evaluations should be used for
frequent feedback and adjustment of the strategy and activities as required. The aspects of
monitoring described here are specific to the communication actions, but can be integrated within the
overall IYCF programme monitoring plan see the chapter on monitoring and evaluation (Chapter
2.7)
Monitoring and evaluation, respectively, answer the pivotal questions: How are we doing? and
How did we do?
Figure 23: Monitoring of communication chain of results

Monitoring of communication chain of results

Inputs/Outputs

Behavioural monitoring

Impact

Behavioural & social outcomes

Supply
Train

Changes in
Results of communication activities

Reach
Inform

health,
nutrition,
survival

Partners, Stakeholders,
Health providers,
Community, Families,
Parents

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Monitoring
Building a monitoring system to track performance of the communication intervention is essential for
communication managers. The monitoring system will be able track input indicators to measure the
quantity, quality and timeliness of resources provided, for example, funding, human resources,
communication materials or technical support. It will also track output indicators to measure quantity,
quality and timeliness of products or services provided through use of the inputs. They will measure
immediate results, for example the number of people exposed to a message or participating in
community action. Routine monitoring may also measure some of the intermediate outcomes of the
communication activities, for example, behavioural outcomes in the primary participants, secondary
participants use of newly acquired communication skills and tertiary participants allocation of
resources etc.
If routine monitoring is not set up to collect this type of data on intermediate outcomes, a mid-term
review may be needed as the major period evaluations may be too infrequent to ensure course
correction if intermediate outcomes are not being achieved. For example, without M&E addressing
intermediate outcomes, significant resources may be invested in training community health workers
on communication skills but it will not be possible to determine if the skills are being applied. In case
the skills are not being applied, these resources are not in fact being used optimally.
It is important not to confuse how the programme is doing with what is being done. The what can
be a simple tally of activities, such as number of training sessions for health workers, number of visits
made by representatives of mother support groups, number of meetings held with policy-makers. The
measure that matters is the actual change that results from those training sessions, visits and
meetings. For this reason, a communication strategy can widen the focus of M&E beyond traditional
indicators of outcome and impact, such as reach of media and information, increased knowledge and
awareness, improved and new skills, changes in individual behaviour and practices, increased
delivery and demand for products and services, to also include additional indicators that acknowledge
individual and community empowerment, human rights and social, systems and policy change in the
long-term, for example:

Social norms and social processes (e.g. social support for involvement of fathers in child care;
participatory approach to the definition of most needed community services in support of IYCF;
exposure in the media to positive images and stories on good IYCF practices).

Power within different levels of society (e.g. number of women who recognize the importance
of optimal IYCF and feel entitled to ask questions and demand services and support that would
improve practices and behaviours; number of households where the fathers of children are
supportive of and help enable optimal feeding).

Policies, systems and strategies (e.g., workplace policies that provide support and resources
for women who breastfeed, hospital policies supportive of successful breastfeeding, national
legislation on marketing of BMS that is enforced effectively, strategies to provide appropriate
complementary foods to the most vulnerable children, district plans etc.).

Social behaviours (e.g., proportion of fathers and grandmothers who do not insist on giving
formula or water to infants <6m, number of district directors of health allocate adequate human,
material and financial resources to implement district-level IYCF communication activities).

It is also important to obtain information on the coverage of communication activities for IYCF. Since
the use of multiple channels for communication is promoted, monitoring of coverage will need to be a
composite of the channels used in a country. Coverage monitoring could therefore assess:

The coverage (# & % of health facilities) that conduct group sessions on IYCF and estimated
numbers of people reached in these sessions.

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The # and % of districts with community based BCC activities and estimated numbers of people
reached.
The number of the people reached through mass media messages.
The same principle could be applied to other channels used in the local context, e.g. religious
institutions, etc.

Evaluation
Evaluation provides information on whether the strategy is generating appropriate behaviour and
social change results. Impact evaluations should be designed around the outcome indicators on IYCF
knowledge, attitudes and practices of the various participant groups collected in the formative
research. Trends in the standard programme impact indicators such as exclusive and continued
breastfeeding and minimum acceptable diet in children aged 6-23 months should be analysed.
Table 4 gives examples of indicators that can be used for the different levels in the chain of results for
communication on IYCF (see also the table of general IYCF indicators national, health system and
community levels in Chapter 2.7)

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Table 4: Examples of indicators for IYCF communication strategy

Inputs
# of district communication plans finalized
# of health workers and CHWs/lay counsellors trained on communication skills
# of communication materials produced
# of communication materials distributed
# of communication equipment items distributed
# of radio spots/programmes broadcast
# of supervisory visits to communicators (health providers, community workers, communication groups,
mother support groups etc.) conducted
# of radio spots/programmes broadcast
# religious leaders sensitized
Outputs
% of districts implementing communication strategy & allocating resources to it
% of planned communication sessions at health facility or in community conducted
% trained CHWs/lay counsellors who are providing counselling and conducting communication sessions
% of target mother support groups functioning
% of districts which received and have distributed communication materials on IYCF
% of planned advocacy sessions with directors of health/religious leaders/media etc. held
% of population who heard a radio spot or programme on IYCF
% of religious congregations where IYCF included in prayers/sermons etc.
% of population reached with different types of communication activities: health system, community, radio, etc.
Outcomes
% health workers and CHWs/lay counsellors who use at least 4 communication skills (as per Box 23)
% of pregnant and lactating women who know that colostrum should be given to a newborn
% of mothers and caregivers who can explain the benefits of early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding
% of women who know that breastmilk contains sufficient water

% of mothers who can correctly name at least 6 of the 12 optimal breastfeeding practices (as per Box 19)
% of lactating women who do not give water or other fluids/foods to infants
% of elder women who tell new mothers that babies dont need water
% of lactating women who breastfeed on demand including during the night
% of mothers who can correctly state the age of introduction of complementary foods

% of formally employed mothers who are breastfeeding

% of mothers who can correctly name at least 5 of the 9 optimal complementary practices (as per Box 20)
% of mothers and caregivers who can explain how often a child 6-23m needs to be fed
% of mothers and caregivers who can list the important food groups that a child >6months needs to be fed
% of mothers who can state which foods are in each of the food groups
% of mothers who said they ate additional food while pregnant and lactating
Impact
% of newborns who started breastfeeding within first hour
% infants <6m exclusively breastfeeding
% infants still breastfeeding at 12-15 months
% of children 6-23m who receive a minimum acceptable diet
% of mothers who fed their children 6-23m of age with the recommended frequency
% of mothers who fed their children 6-23m of age with the recommended variety of foods

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3.5 IYCF in Exceptionally Difficult Circumstances

This section of the Programme Guidance highlights state of the art information and approaches to
IYCF in especially difficult circumstances. It is divided into two major sections:

HIV and Infant Feeding

Infant Feeding in Emergencies

The Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding (WHO/UNICEF 2003) highlights the
difficult circumstances in which infants and young children and their families require special attention
regarding feeding. These include exposure to HIV, emergencies, severe malnutrition, low birth weight
and other social circumstances such as orphans and children in foster care, and children born to
adolescent mothers, mothers suffering from physical or mental disabilities, drug- or alcoholdependence, or mothers who are imprisoned or part of disadvantaged or otherwise marginalized
populations.
This guidance will focus on HIV and emergencies, as these are areas of IYCF that require specific
approaches to programming globally. However, national programs should ensure that the other
difficult circumstances, specific to county situation, are also adequately addressed and provisions
1
made for appropriate feeding of the vulnerable children facing these circumstances .

3.5.1 HIV and Infant Feeding

Overview of section for HIV and Infant Feeding:
3.4.6.1 Summary of updated evidence and recommendations and implications for policy and
programming
3.4.6.2 Development of guidelines on HIV and infant feeding as part of comprehensive IYCF policies
and guidelines
3.4.6.3 Specific programming issues related to HIV and infant feeding
Introduction
Infant and young child feeding in the context of HIV and AIDS poses significant challenges due to the
risk of transmission of the virus via breastfeeding. Prior to the latest guidelines on HIV and infant
feeding, which are based on the evidence of positive outcomes for HIV-free survival through provision
of ARVs to breastfed HIV-exposed infants, avoidance or early cessation of breastfeeding seemed
logical and appropriate. However, the repercussions for the health and survival of the infants were
serious, with studies [175] showing much higher mortality rates due to diarrhoea, malnutrition and
other diseases in non-breastfed children. Thus the focus is now on ensuring HIV-free survival, not just
on preventing transmission, and the new (2010) guidelines provide a much clearer pathway towards
this goal.

3.5.1.1 Summary of updated evidence and recommendations and implications

Significant programmatic experience and research evidence regarding HIV and infant feeding has
accumulated since the last WHO guidance was issued in 2006 [176]. The 2006 recommendations,
formulated in the absence of ARV interventions, had suggested that breastfeeding should stop after
the infant reaches six months as soon as specific AFASS (affordable, feasible, acceptable,
1

Guidance for feeding of severely malnourished infants is available in the Infant Feeding in Emergencies Module 2 V.1.1
(IFE Core Group 2003); guidance on feeding low birth weight babies and babies who are orphaned or who cannot breastfeed
are provided in the various training modules on breastfeeding and IYCF (See Resources Annex 1-11 for more resources and
tools on IYCF in Emergencies).

107

sustainable and safe) conditions were in place to replacement feed. Where AFASS criteria were not
met, the recommendation was to continue breastfeeding.
Since then, evidence that antiretroviral (ARV) interventions to either the HIV-infected mother or HIVexposed infant can significantly reduce the risk of postnatal transmission of HIV through
breastfeeding has been reported [177]. The evidence shows that administering anti-retroviral
treatment (ART) to all HIV+ mothers with CD-4 counts <350 throughout the breastfeeding period
[178] or providing extended anti-retroviral prophylaxis to infants born to HIV-positive women with CD4 counts >350, along with prophylaxis for the mother, can significantly reduce post-natal transmission
[179]. With provision of ARVs, breastfeeding is made dramatically safer and the balance of risks
between breastfeeding and replacement feeding is fundamentally changed. The mothers own health
is also protected. This new evidence fundamentally transforms the landscape in which decisions on
infant feeding practices are made by individual mothers, national health authorities and international
development partners.
This evidence is the basis for the 2009/2010 WHO recommendations on PMTCT and on infant
feeding in the context of HIV. The recommendations highlight that the risk of mother to child
transmission of HIV can be reduced to less than 5% in breastfeeding populations (from a background
risk of around 35%) and to less than 2% in non-breastfeeding populations (from a background risk of
25%). In addition, the most recent studies show that the risk of transmission in a breastfed infant can
be reduced to less than 1% in the first 6 months when ARVs are provided.
Latest UN Guidance
In November 2009, WHO released the revised Principles and
Recommendations on HIV and Infant Feeding (2009) as a Rapid
Advice document. This preceded the more detailed joint publication,
Guidelines on HIV and Infant Feeding 2010 [180], which includes the
principles and recommendations as well as a summary of the evidence.
These HIV and infant feeding recommendations are consistent with new
WHO recommendations on PMTCT [181] (Resources Annex 1-10).
In summary, the latest UN guidance is based on the following principle:
National infant feeding recommendations: National or sub-national health
authorities should select and make a decision on which one of two
feeding options should be supported by the health system as the
strategy that will most likely give infants the greatest chance of HIV-free
survival:

either breastfeed and receive ARV interventions or

avoid all breastfeeding

Following this policy decision, the health services should counsel and support all mothers known to
be HIV-infected on the selected option. This decision should be based on international
recommendations and consideration of the socio-economic and cultural contexts of the populations
served by Maternal and Child Health services, the availability and quality of health services, the local
epidemiology including HIV prevalence among pregnant women and main causes of infant and child
mortality and maternal and child under-nutrition. Countries with high infant mortality rates are also
likely to have a high risk of death due to lack of breastfeeding and therefore should carefully consider
this balance of risks versus HIV transmission through safer breastfeeding with ARVs.
The revised WHO PMTCT recommendations [180] refer to two key approaches:
1. Treatment: lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV + women in need to treatment for her own
health as per the criteria, while the infant receives prophylaxis for the first six weeks of life only.

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2. Two ARV prophylaxis options are recommended for women who are not on lifelong ART for their
own health and breastfeed (countries select either option A or option B as their national protocol):
Option A: The woman receives ARV prophylaxis during pregnancy, delivery and 7 days postpartum, and the infant receives daily ARV prophylaxis from birth until one week after all exposure
to breastfeeding has ended or
Option B: The woman receives a three-drug ARV prophylaxis regimen during pregnancy, and
continuing through the end of the breastfeeding period, while the infant receives prophylaxis for
the first six weeks of life only.
ARV prophylaxis for the mother can start as early as 14 weeks of gestation, or as soon as possible
when women present later in pregnancy, or during labour and delivery.
Infant feeding practices in countries where the policy is breastfeeding + ARVs:
Mothers known to be HIV-infected (and whose infants are HIV uninfected or of unknown HIV status)
should exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first six months of life, introduce appropriate
complementary foods thereafter, and continue breastfeeding for the first 12 months of life.
Breastfeeding should then only stop once a nutritionally adequate and safe diet without breast-milk
can be provided, and ARV prophylaxis should continue to be provided as long as the child is
breastfed.
Conditions needed for safe replacement feeding:
Mothers known to be HIV-infected should only
give commercial infant formula milk as a
replacement feed to their HIV uninfected infants or
infants who are of unknown HIV status, when
specific conditions are met (see Box 27).
Infants known to be HIV-infected:
If infants and young children are known to be
already HIV-infected, mothers are strongly
encouraged to exclusively breastfeed for the first
six months of life, introducing appropriate
complementary foods thereafter, and continue
breastfeeding as per the recommendations for the
general population (up to two years of age or
beyond).

Box 27: Conditions needed to safely formula

feed (Recommendation 5 of WHO guidelines)
a)
b)

c)

d)

e)
f)

safe water and sanitation are assured at the

household level and in the community and
the mother, or other caregiver can reliably
provide sufficient infant formula milk to support
normal growth and development of the infant
and
the mother or caregiver can prepare it cleanly
and frequently enough so that it is safe and
carries a low risk of diarrhea and malnutrition
and
the mother or caregiver can, in the first six
months, exclusively give infant formula milk
and
the family is supportive of this practice and
the mother or caregiver can access health care
that offers comprehensive child health services.

Discussion on some of the key points from the new recommendations:

Shift away from using the term AFASS:
Countries which select a national policy of avoiding all breastfeeding should aim and strive to meet all
the conditions to safely formula feed, and should only provide the BMS if either the programme or the
mother can assure the conditions are met.
The 2009/2010 recommendations explicitly define the specific conditions (Box 27) to safely give
replacement feeds, using common everyday language, rather than referring to the acronym AFASS
(affordable, feasible, acceptable, sustainable and safe) that was adopted in previous
recommendations. It was felt that more carefully defining the environmental conditions that make
replacement feeds a safe (or unsafe) option for HIV-exposed infants will improve HIV free survival of
infants. It was considered that such language would better guide health workers regarding what to
assess, and communicate to mothers who were considering if their home conditions would support
safe replacement feeding. The concept of AFASS had proven difficult to translate into counselling

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messages. In addition, it should be noted that in some settings AFASS criteria have tended to be
used as points and advice for counselling, not as criteria for whether a woman should choose
replacement feeding or not. This may be especially true in programmes which provide free BMS.
These programmes do not use the AFASS criteria as conditions to provide replacement milks or not,
and they do not assure full compliance with all of the AFASS criteria, such as acceptability, safety,
feasibility etc.).
Shift in focus of counselling: In conjunction with the known benefits of breastfeeding to reduce
mortality from other causes, in many settings an approach that strongly recommends the option of
breastfeeding plus ARVs as the standard of care can be justified: information about options should be
made available but services would principally support the one approach. Similarly, a country which
chooses replacement feeding as its recommendation should still provide information and counselling
on breastfeeding plus ARVs and support women who opt out of replacement feeding. However,
individual rights should not be forfeited in the course of public health approaches. Recommending a
single option within a national health framework does not remove the need for skilled counselling and
support to be available to pregnant women and mothers. The nature and content of counselling and
support that are required will shift away from the current practices of counselling on the balance of
risks and the different options available, and then helping a mother to make an informed choice.
Rather, the counselling will focus on conveying the policy the national health authorities have decided
to adopt and how to feed the baby according to these guidelines. The counsellors should be able to
provide additional information on the alternative options if the mother asks (Key Principle 5 of the
WHO guidelines). This may be particularly relevant in countries with high coverage of PMTCT
services where mothers have already been exposed to counselling and information directed towards
counselling on choice.
Duration of breastfeeding: The 2010 Guidelines propose (Recommendation 2) that, in light of the
effectiveness of ARV interventions, continued breastfeeding by HIV-infected mothers until the infant is
12 months of age capitalizes on the maximum benefit of breastfeeding to improve the infants chance
of survival while reducing the risk of HIV transmission. This is in contrast to the 2006 recommendation
to stop breastfeeding after 6 months if AFASS conditions are met. In the presence of ARV
interventions, being able to breastfeed to 12 months avoids many of the complexities associated with
stopping breastfeeding and providing a safe and adequate diet without breastmilk to infants 6-12
months of age. It is not currently possible to recommend, without any qualification, that all HIVinfected mothers breastfeed beyond 12 months to 24 months, unless there were no other options.
Mixed feeding: Earlier evidence on HIV transmission through breastfeeding [182], highlights that
exclusive breastfeeding for up to six months is associated with a three to four fold decreased risk of
transmission of HIV compared to non-exclusive breastfeeding (mixed feeding). It is believed that
mixed feeding in the first six months carries a greater risk of transmission because the other liquids
and foods given to the baby alongside the breastmilk can damage the already delicate and
permeable intestinal wall of the infant, allowing the virus to be transmitted more easily. Mixed feeding
also poses the same risks of contamination and diarrhoea as artificial feeding, diminishing the
chances of survival. Unfortunately mixed feeding is still the norm for many infants less than six
months old in many countries with high HIV prevalence. Thus HIV transmission through breastfeeding
can be reduced if HIV-positive women breastfeed exclusively for six months rather than practice
mixed feeding. With the new recommendations, it is postulated that an HIV-infected woman who
takes ARVs and mix-feeds may still have a higher rate of transmission than a mother who exclusively
breastfeeds and takes ARVs: the transmission risk is shifted downwards for all breastfeeding modes
but the pattern of increased risk remains for the mixed-fed infants. Thus continued emphasis needs to
be placed on discouraging mixed feeding in the first six months.
Recommendations for situations when there are no ARVs: Every effort should be made to
accelerate access to ARVs for both maternal health and also prevention of HIV transmission to
infants. While ARV interventions are being scaled up, national authorities should not be deterred from
recommending that HIV-infected mothers breastfeed as the most appropriate infant feeding practice
in their setting, even when ARVs are not available. An implementation and communication challenge

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will be to prevent the misconception that HIV-infected mothers should only breastfeed if they have
ARVs. An additional Principle (Key Principle 4, absent from the 2009 Rapid Advice) has been added
to the 2010 WHO guidelines which states:
Even when ARVs are not available, breastfeeding may still provide infants born to HIV-infected
mothers with a greater chance of HIV-free survival. Mothers should be counselled to exclusively
breastfeed in the first six months of life and continue breastfeeding thereafter unless
environmental and social circumstances are safe for, and supportive of replacement feeding.

3.5.1.2 Development of guidelines on HIV and infant feeding

The new recommendations on infant feeding highlight the opportunity for investing in interventions
that will improve infant feeding practices by both HIV-infected and uninfected mothers. Improving
infant feeding practices for all would reduce the overall risk of death, malnutrition and illness and
contribute significantly towards achieving development goals. The recommendations should help to
give new momentum for the development and implementation of national policies and strategies for
infant and young child feeding benefitting the entire population.
The revised national policy statements and guidelines should clearly address which infant feeding
alternative will be recommended and supported as a national recommendation, create and define
revised counselling algorithms that no longer emphasize counselling on individual choice, and provide
concrete planning steps for introduction and implementation of these policies and guidelines. For
example, when a country has made a decision to promote and support breastfeeding and ARVs, they
will also need to decide and plan for a 'reasonable' implementation period to anticipate roll-out of
ARVs to all areas of the country. The implementation of the policy should be well-coordinated to avoid
confusion, mixed messaging and to ensure coverage at scale.
Mechanisms need to be also introduced to inform the population at large and in particular pregnant
women, health workers and HIV and nutrition counsellors about the content of the policy, including
training of health workers and communication.
It is important to ensure that during planning process the issues of infant feeding in the context of HIV
are adequately addressed in both PMTCT programmes and general IYCF programmes (addressed in
a harmonized manner in both).
Box 28: Notes on heat treatment of breastmilk, wet-nursing and milk banks in the context of
HIV:
Heat treatment of expressed breastmilk effectively kills the HIV virus if done correctly. It requires sufficient
fuel, utensils for heating the milk and cup-feeding and their hygienic use, and thus may be difficult to
implement for many mothers in many settings. Heat treatment may be used in special circumstances e.g.
low birth weight baby, when the mother is unwell, to assist mothers to stop breastfeeding and when ARVs are
not available.
Wet-nursing: In order for wet-nursing to take place safely, the wet-nurse would need to be confirmed as HIVnegative through a test undertaken at least three months after the last time she had unprotected sex or any
other possible exposure to HIV, and she would need to ensure she does not become infected during the time
she is breastfeeding the other woman's infant. These conditions may be difficult to fulfill in many settings,
especially in settings with high levels of HIV. Secondly, there is a small chance that an infant who is already
infected with HIV may pass the virus to the wet-nurse.
Milk banks: In a milk bank, the donor mothers need to be screened for HIV through a test undertaken at least
three months after the last time she had unprotected sex or any other possible exposure to HIV, as well as
other illnesses, and the milk needs to be pasteurized (heat-treated). Using donor-banked milk is usually a
short-term option, as the supply may be limited, and another way of feeding will need to be discussed.

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3.5.1.3 Specific programming issues related to HIV and infant feeding

Intensification of efforts to implement and enforce the Code
In countries with a high burden of HIV, particular challenges have been faced and continue to be
faced with regard to implementing and enforcing the Code of Marketing of Breastmilk
1
Substitutes .The Code aims to ensure that concerns about the transmission of the HIV virus
through breastmilk does not undermine breastfeeding for the majority of infants around the world
whose health and chances of survival are and will be greatly improved by breastfeeding.
Governments need to ensure that commercial production, marketing and donation of breastmilk
substitutes in the context of PMTCT programmes comply with the Code to reduce the possibility of
spillover, reduce mixed feeding, and to protect breastfeeding. These issues may form part of the
advocacy conducted with policy and decision makers. The Code is of particular relevance when
mothers who are HIV positive opt not to breastfeed or live in a country which has adopted a
national policy of replacement feeding, as the Code aims to:

Regulate the distribution of free or subsidised supplies of BMS to prevent spillover to

babies who would benefit from breastfeeding. The so-called spillover effect, whereby new
mothers who either know that they are HIV-negative or are unaware of their HIV status do not
breastfeed, breastfeed for a short time only, or mix-feed, because of unfounded fears about
HIV, misinformation, and the ready availability of BMS. Influences on this spillover effect may
originate from various sources, including health workers who are biased towards BMS feeding,
social pressures and marketing strategies of the BMS companies.
Protect artificially fed children by ensuring that product labels carry necessary warnings and
instructions for safe preparation and use.

Actions required to strengthen the Code implementation and enforcement in settings with high HIV
prevalence (in addition to the actions in the section on the Code above):
Ensure that the HIV pandemic is not being used to reintroduce donations of BMS to the
health care system. Many Health Ministries adopted policies banning the distribution of free and
low-cost supplies of BMS through health facilities by the commercial sector. These policies should
continue to be respected. Where the government decides to make free or subsidised BMS available
to HIV positive mothers, procurement should be encouraged in a transparent manner through
tendering on the international or local market, avoiding a privileged relationship which will promote
the image and products of one particular company. As specified in the Code once procured, the
BMS should be supplied for as long as the child needs them.
There are many reasons why a government should not enter into a special "partnership" with any
one company, but rather should procure supplies of BMS through public tender:

This avoids dependency on "donated" or "low-cost" supplies which companies claim are given
for humanitarian purposes. Supplies should not be subject to the goodwill of a donor or used as
a marketing tool.

A tendering process will guarantee and lead to a long-term and sustainable supply of BMS,
since it leads to a legally binding contract for the supply of the BMS. Manufacturers have been
hesitant to reveal the actual cost of production of BMS, but it is felt that it is extremely low
compared with the market price.

Any partnership with a particular company will imply the Government's satisfaction with the

UNICEF programme instructions CF/PD/PRO/2000-003 on Implementation of the International Code of Marketing of

Breast Milk Substitutes Monitoring Compliance provide further information, as well as detailed suggestions on actions that
might be taken to strengthen Code implementation at the national level.

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marketing behaviour of that company. A company's desire to work in partnership with a

Government is often motivated by the fact that such an association could be used to counteract
criticism of its unethical marketing practices.
It is recommended that the following considerations be taken into account in organising a
distribution system for breastmilk substitutes:

If free or subsidised quantities of BMS are made available, they should be consistently in stock
at a local, decentralised level to avoid the need for frequent trips to a distant distribution point,
to reduce the chances of mixed feeding if the mother does not receive sufficient BMS and to
reduce the chances of undernutrition.

The receipt of free or subsidised BMS may become associated with HIV positive status of the
mother and care is therefore needed to protect the anonymity of those receiving them to
prevent potential stigmatisation. Stigma may also increase the chances of mixed feeding,
whereby the mother may feed the infant with BMS at home and breastfeed in public.

In addition to ensuring Code compliance and providing appropriate counselling and practical
support on safe preparation and use of BMS, PMTCT programmes providing BMS may also
provide water purification means, soap, stoves and fuel together with the BMS to ensure
conditions for safe artificial feeding are met and reduce the chances of contamination.

Important Note:
UNICEF offices may provide support in ensuring Code-compliant procurement and distribution of
BMS, but should not procure or supply BMS directly for PMTCT programmes [183]. UNICEF made
the decision to cease procurement of BMS for PMTCT programmes in 2002, based on the following
considerations:

UNICEFs formula support was to the PMTCT pilot sites only in the early stages of these
programmes.

UNICEF resources have been used to purchase and provide infant formula, whereas use of these
resources for hiring more infant feeding counsellors and improving the counselling on making
breastfeeding safer will be more cost-effective.

Anecdotal information from PMTCT sites suggested that many mothers who opted for free
formula also breastfed because of social pressure to do so or convenience. The resulting mixed
feeding not only put the child at an increased risk of infectious diseases and probably at
increased risk of HIV, it was also a waste of the financial resources used to purchase the formula.

Free formula was given for a short period, in most countries only 6 months. However a child
needs replacement feeding (milk feed) till it is at least 2 years. Through donations a dependency
on formula as the replacement food has been created, which may be far too expensive to
maintain.

HIV and infant feeding actions in the health system

The infant feeding component of PMTCT programmes has proven to be extremely challenging in
many countries. Infant feeding counselling has, until now, been given low priority within PMTCT
programmes and the quality of counselling has generally been poor. This is manifest in the lack of
resources human, financial and time for infant feeding counselling. Very little time is given to this
topic in PMTCT training, and few examples exist of high-quality, country-level learning materials. This
has led to widespread misunderstanding and confusion around the HIV transmission risk associated
with different forms of breastfeeding. It has also resulted in lack of space and time for proper

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counselling, poor support and supervision, and very weak monitoring and evaluation of infant feeding
practices. Finally, there are very few examples of linkages between health facility PMTCT services
and community-based infant feeding interventions.
While some countries have significantly scaled up PMTCT interventions over the past couple of
years, it is realised that it will take some time before all health workers involved with supporting
HIV+ mothers are properly trained on HIV and infant feeding counselling and conduct the
counselling and support effectively. With the new guidance on HIV and infant feeding, health
workers will need to be (once again) reoriented on the new recommendations which their respective
national health authorities have set. There will need to be a shift in mindset away from individual
counselling on risks and benefits of different options and asking the mother to choose an option,
towards conveying the national recommendation to the mothers, providing counselling to the
mother on how to implement it, but also counselling those mothers who choose to opt out of the
national recommendation on alternative options.
Revised global training and counselling tools for health providers still need to be developed at the
time of writing this guidance. The health system initiatives supportive of optimal infant and young
child feeding in general, including BFHI and IYCF counselling and support through multiple health
system contacts should use updated guidelines, training materials, counselling tools, job aids and
communication messages and materials which address the 2009 guidance on infant feeding in the
context of HIV. These efforts will contribute to an environment in which optimal breastfeeding and
complementary feeding are the norm and HIV-positive mothers get appropriate counselling and
special support on infant and young child feeding.
Key actions related to HIV and infant feeding in the health care system include the following:
Integrate infant feeding counselling
in the counselling and testing
contacts in maternal care services:
At present, far too few pregnant women
are aware of their HIV status. HIV
testing and counselling, now provided
as part of the routine package of
screening tests during pregnancy and
delivery
(provider-initiated
testing),
represents the main gateway to HIV
prevention, care, and treatment for
most women of reproductive age.
These services need to be widely
available to enable pregnant women
and their partners to know their status
and to access relevant treatment and
care services, including ARVs. The
testing service needs to be well-linked
with counselling services on infant
feeding to ensure that all HIV-positive
women receive adequate counselling
and support to enable them to feed their
infants safely and effectively.

Box 29: Contact points for counseling and

support on HIV and infant feeding:
After an HIV-positive test result, but before delivery, in
order to inform about the infant feeding
recommendations (one or more sessions);
Soon after birth (e.g., before discharge from hospital) to
support the mother on feeding her child;
Within the first week after delivery to help the mother
successfully establish the feeding of her child;
During routine postnatal care and at every wellchild/immunization or sick-child attendance (as is the
practice for women who are not HIV-positive and their
children);
Additional sessions may be required during special highrisk time periods, such as when the mother has breast
problems, before she goes back to work and at 11 and
12 months to assess and decide if breastfeeding can be
phased out;
However, it is recognized that not all women come for
counseling when they are pregnant or at regular intervals
after birth.

Feeding implications of early infant diagnosis (EID) of HIV: Early infant diagnosis in PMTCT
programmes in developing countries is a growing priority as technologies become more widely
available. On the one hand, knowing a childs status as early as 6 weeks enables early treatment
decisions to be made if the child is HIV-positive. In terms of infant feeding, the mother of the HIV+
child should be counselled to breastfeed the child if possible, even if she was feeding BMS before,
to ensure that the infant can benefit from all the protective qualities of breastmilk. On the other

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hand, the health provider faces a heightened counselling challenge for the mother of a child
confirmed HIV- negative through EID. The decision to continue exposing the negative child to HIV
through breastfeeding may be made more difficult by having this definitive knowledge, but the
counselling principles around the low risk of transmission with ARVs plus breastfeeding and
conditions to feed BMS safely in fact remain the same.
Support to training of counsellors in PMTCT sites and MCH health workers outside PMTCT
sites on HIV and infant feeding counselling: Knowledge of health workers on HIV and infant
feeding is usually poor, as is their knowledge of infant feeding in general. It seems that the rapidlychanging information on the risks of MTCT through breastfeeding and the constantly shifting
guidance has confused many health workers and raised doubts about how best to support mothers.
In addition, some of the information they receive, for instance through the media, may be incorrect
and harmful. A similar lack of knowledge and mistaken beliefs also exist among the general
population and pregnant women in particular. It is thus important that training on breastfeeding
counselling and on HIV and infant feeding is not restricted to the counsellors in the PMTCT sites.
Ideally all health workers who are in contact with pregnant women and mothers with infants and
young children should be trained. All workers who counsel on infant and young child feeding
choices should be well trained and able to communicate the national infant feeding policy in the
context of HIV, and can provide support for exclusive breastfeeding, replacement feeding, and
complementary feeding.
Introduce a new contact at 11 months: With the new recommendations on HIV and infant
feeding, a visit at 11 months is needed to assess the food security and other aspects of the
mothers situation to decide whether breastfeeding can be stopped after 12 months or whether it
needs to continue. Up to two additional contacts may be needed to follow up the mother and infant
and ensure feeding is adequate. These new contacts may also be used to provide complementary
food supplements until the child reaches two years, if the country has a policy and programmes to
do so.
Follow up support to and monitoring of feeding practices, health and nutritional status of
mother and child: A key step of the counselling process for HIV-positive mothers is to follow up
and provide continuous support to the mother in carrying out her infant feeding decision, to identify
and solve possible problems, to monitor the health of the mother and the health and growth of the
baby. This step is essential to ensure that the mother is feeding the child appropriately and that the
baby is healthy and growing well. Since infant and young child feeding practices change several
times during the first 24 months of a childs life, support to the mother should continue to be
intensive during this period. Follow-up support should also include nutritional support to HIVpositive mothers, in particular those mothers who decide to breastfeed.

HIV and infant feeding actions in communities

Mothers often do not have the authority to make all the decisions on infant and young child feeding,
since partners or relatives (e.g., mother or mother-in-law) often make these decisions. The focus
should therefore be on addressing social norms, authority, and responsibility and resource issues
within the wider community context to enable an HIV-positive mother to adequately feed her infant
or young child. The issue of stigma surrounding HIV status needs to be carefully addressed through
a comprehensive strategy of community sensitization and involvement, mother support and
communication, so that mothers are able to take their ARVs, practice their infant feeding option
appropriately, avoid the risky practice of mixed feeding and prevent their infant from becoming
malnourished.
When planning community-based IYCF programmes in settings with a high HIV burden, HIV and
infant feeding considerations and guidelines need to be integrated within the two main strategies for
community-based IYCF programmes outlined in the chapter on community-based IYCF: IYCF
counselling through community cadres and mother to mother support groups.

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Actions at community level on HIV and infant feeding should include:

IYCF counselling and communication skills training for community cadres using modules
containing material on HIV and infant feeding that is based on the 2010 WHO
recommendations, as well as breastfeeding and complementary feeding, such as the UNICEF
Community IYCF Counselling Package (see Chapter 3.3). There should be one consolidated
package containing both IYCF counselling and HIV and infant feeding counselling in HIV
settings. The training should include practical sessions to enhance counselling skills, as well as
address referral for testing of the pregnant women and of the infant and support for taking
ARVs as applicable. It is expected that the national recommendation on HIV and infant feeding
will be conveyed and explained to the mother at the PMTCT contact in the health facility, and
the role of the community worker (CW) is to support the mother to implement it. The CW should
have sufficient understanding of the policy to be able to promote and reinforce the health facility
messages and provide further clarification or reassurance.

Capacity building and support for mother support groups: Groups created through the
PMTCT programme in countries should be adequately capacitated to address infant feeding in
the context of HIV, and mother to mother groups created through the BFHI or nutrition
programme. These groups should be encouraged to involve and follow up the women until the
infant is at least two years old (and longer if the mothers wish), and not just for the duration of
the pregnancy until the early infant diagnosis test, as is the case in some programmes.
Simplified training tools to build interactive communication skills and to be able to provide
support to mothers based on those for lay counsellors/CWs should be used; these should be
adapted to the local context.

Data collection: lay counsellors, CWs and mother support groups can be a rich source of
information on actual infant feeding practices, challenges and possible solutions, and the
monitoring tools for community based IYCF programmes in high HIV burden countries should
include a section on infant feeding in the context of HIV.

Communication on HIV and infant feeding

While there may be communication strategies to create demand for PMTCT services, these
strategies could also serve as an entry point for communication on HIV and infant feeding issues to
various participant groups.
The 2010 recommendations on HIV and infant feeding pose a particular communication challenge:
how to ensure that the public understands that breastfeeding has been made significantly safer with
the new protocols on ARVs, but at the same time avoiding the perception that HIV-positive women
can only breastfeed safely if they are on ARVs. Therefore, it is essential to communicate the new
policy correctly and effectively.
Formative research in settings with high HIV should be tailored to understand the reasons for
behaviours and practices related to infant feeding in the context of HIV. Results of formative
research on HIV and infant feeding should be used to guide development of a comprehensive
communication strategy to improve infant and young child feeding in settings with high HIV
prevalence.
Communication activities in settings of high HIV need to continue to address specific issues related
to infant feeding in the context of HIV, for example the risks of artificial feeding, the dangers of
mixed feeding and the benefits of breastfeeding for all children, including those exposed to or
infected with HIV. HIV-free survival should be emphasized in communication messages. These
activities are particularly important to reach the pregnant women who do not know their status or
who do not come to ante-natal care and do not receive counselling on HIV and infant feeding, or
those who live in areas where ARVs have not yet been rolled out. They are also important to
change attitudes and behaviours of secondary participant groups who influence mothers practices:

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it is often due to these groups that women, despite having received the counselling on infant
feeding at the PMTCT service, do not practice the recommended behaviour optimally.
The approach to communication on HIV and infant feeding needs to follow the steps described in
the chapter on communication.

Monitoring and evaluation considerations for HIV and infant feeding

Key areas include monitoring of actual infant feeding practices and the impact of interventions on
child health and survival.
It is proposed that PMTCT and IYCF programmes collect data particularly in the following areas:
Routine monitoring of actual infant feeding practices among HIV-exposed children. This can
be done through routine data collection if possible through the PMTCT programme, as well as
formative studies using interviews with mothers, communities, health workers and people living with
HIV. It is recommended to include an indicator on infant feeding practice by HIV-positive women as
a key indicator in the national PMTCT programme. A routine M&E system is in place in most
PMTCT programmes and many of the above data on IYCF can be integrated into this system.
However, it should be understood that standard PMTCT monitoring forms only provide the basic
minimum indicators that should be assessed, and in many settings the information on actual
feeding practices is not available through the health system. This needs to be addressed by
ensuring that an indicator on infant feeding practice is included in the monitoring system for the
PMTCT programme and that this data is properly collected. WHO has recently proposed that this
indicator should be:

Proportion of children exclusively breastfed at the DPT3 contact in the EPI schedule.

In addition, the drop-off of children and their caregivers is high: many HIV-exposed infants are lost
to follow up and it is therefore not possible to establish their status in terms of HIV, survival and
nutrition for example by age 12 or 24 months. However, for a more accurate assessment of feeding
practices and a more in-depth understanding of processes and outcomes of HIV and infant feeding
activities more information needs to be collected at household level.
Monitoring of the application of the new recommendations: monitoring of how many PMTCT
sites have staff trained on IYCF in the context of HIV (based on 2010 guidelines and their national
adaptation) and how many sites routinely conduct IYCF counselling; tracking the total number of
health providers and community workers trained on and applying the latest guidance on HIV and
infant feeding; formative research on knowledge and practices among health workers, community
cadres, including assessment of the actual counselling of HIV-positive mothers through health
facility survey type approaches such as observing a sample of counselling sessions; exit interviews
with mothers/caregivers at PMTCT sites.
Assessment of Code implementation in the context of HIV programmes for mothers and infants
needs to be undertaken.
Evaluation of the impact of interventions on mother and child health and survival is important to
analyze through the use of household survey data such as DHS, MICS, and nutrition surveys in
conjunction with sero-studies of HIV prevalence. In the absence of this type of gold-standard
household surveys, lot quality assurance system (LQAS) can be used to obtain a rough indication
of the ranges of coverage of exclusive breastfeeding, for example, in a specific population. Various
tools for modelling potential impact can also be used.

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3.5.2 Infant and young child feeding in emergencies

Overview of section for IYCF in Emergencies:
3.5.2.1 Importance of optimal IYCF in emergencies
3.5.2.2 Priority actions

This chapter provides a brief summary of the key aspects of infant feeding in emergencies, as key
policy and guidance tools such as the Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies:
Operational Guidance (IFE Core Group 2007) and various training materials already exist,
including a module for counsellors on integration of IYCF into CMAM programmes. In addition to the
e-learning module on infant feeding in emergencies developed by the Emergency Nutrition Network
and the Harmonized Training Package module on IYCF in emergencies, UNICEF also has an elearning on IYCF in emergencies as part of its Nutrition in Emergencies e-learning series (see
Resources Annex 1-11)

IYCF in emergencies is also reflected in the current Sphere standards for humanitarian response
[184]. The two new IYCF standards in Sphere 2011 are:

Infant and young child feeding standard 1: Policy guidance and coordination
Infant and young child feeding standard 2: Basic and skilled support

3.5.2.1 Importance of optimal IYCF in emergencies

During emergencies such as earthquakes, floods, cyclones, drought or conflict, disease and death
rates among under-five children are generally higher than for any other age group. Mortality may be
particularly high due to the combined impact of a greatly increased incidence of communicable
diseases and soaring rates of undernutrition. Infants less than six months old who are not breastfed in
non-emergency situations are already more than 14 times more likely to die from all causes than
exclusively breastfed children [4]. These risks are amplified in emergency situations when the
situation with hygiene and water is often infinitely worse than usual and disease outbreaks are can be
widespread. Exclusive breastfeeding is a life-saving practice with the highest potential preventive

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impact for survival of infants less than six months during an emergency . The fundamental means of
preventing both mortality and undernutrition among infants and young children during emergencies is
to ensure their optimal feeding and care, focusing in particular on creating conditions that will facilitate
breastfeeding.
In many emergency-prone countries, however, exclusive breastfeeding coverage remains very low
and the scope and scale of IYCF programmes remains limited.
During an emergency, continued breastfeeding up to two years or beyond, together with quality
complementary feeding, is also very important for the continued protection from infection that the
breastfeeding confers, as well as its nutritional value. The valuable protection from infection and its
consequences that breastmilk confers is all the more important in environments without a safe water
supply and sanitation, where the safe preparation and use of BMS is often impossible.
In emergencies, the use of any BMS can further increase the risks of illness, malnutrition and
death and disrupt the protection provided by breastfeeding. Breastfeeding during emergencies must
not be undermined by inappropriate donations and use of BMS. Experience has shown that without
proper assessment of needs, an excessive quantity of milk products for feeding infants and young
children are often provided in emergency situations by well-intentioned but poorly informed donors or
requested by poorly-informed Governments. If unsolicited supplies of donated BMS and/or powdered
milks are widely available, mothers who might otherwise breastfeed might needlessly start giving
artificial feeds. This exposes many infants and young children to increased risk of disease and death,
especially from diarrhoea when clean water is scarce. The use of feeding bottles only adds further to
the risk of infection as they are difficult to clean properly.
Thus, to summarize, IYCF programming in emergencies is important for the following reasons:

Breastfeeding is safe, free and a crucial life-saving intervention for vulnerable children whose
risks of death increase markedly in emergencies.
Emergencies exacerbate risks of not breastfeeding or mixed feeding.
Continued breastfeeding is crucial in reducing the risk of diarrhoea and other illnesses in older
children, which is heightened in emergencies.
Donations of BMS undermine breastfeeding and cause illness and death.
IYCF is central to reducing the high risk of undernutrition during emergencies.
Safe, adequate, and appropriate complementary feeding, which significantly contributes to
prevention of undernutrition and mortality in children after 6 months, is often jeopardized during
emergencies and needs particular attention.

Challenges
Some common challenges faced by countries in terms of IYCF in emergencies include the following:
IYCF is often not well reflected in emergency preparedness and response plans and activities.
Many countries do not have comprehensive IYCF programmes, which could serve as the basis for
effective and well-organized emergency response activities. The lack of IYCF programmes also
means that the IYCF practices at the onset of the emergency are also likely to be poor, and that
local IYCF guidelines and training materials and other resources will be absent.
Countries often lack a critical mass of various cadres of trained IYCF counsellors in health system
and community who can be mobilized in emergencies.
Only a small number of international agencies with presence in the field during emergencies have
expertise in IYCF in emergencies: advocacy and capacity development have been lacking.

See: Why Promote Breastfeeding in Emergencies? section in Behaviour Change Communication in Emergencies: A Toolkit
- Chapter 5 (UNICEF ROSA 2006)

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 Local and international capacity for communication for behaviour change on IYCF in emergencies
is often inadequate.
Clear guidance and materials are lacking on complementary feeding in emergencies (no single
panacea package is available; attention and adaptation to local context is crucial).
In many cases, governments fail to take action to implement and enforce the Code: donations of
BMS and powdered milk still flood in all emergencies.
The response to donations of breast-milk substitutes during emergencies is often inadequate or
inappropriate:
o Donations are not discouraged or blocked.
o There is a lack of clarity on how to handle donations.
o Logistics problems in storing or incorporating confiscated donations into pre-mixed
blended foods/flours are often encountered.
Systems to rapidly procure, target and distribute appropriate BMS to eligible non-breastfed children
are often weak.

3.5.2.2 Priority actions

The Operational Guidance on Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (see Resources
Annex 1-11) contains 6 practical steps for implementation of IYCF actions in emergencies:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Endorse or develop policies.

Train staff.
Co-ordinate operations.
Assess and monitor.
Protect, promote and support optimal infant and young child feeding.
Minimize the risks of artificial feeding.

Many of these steps are included in the priority actions the three items in bold have been added or
1
addressed in more detail than in the Operational Guidance :
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.

Emergency preparedness and planning.

Protecting, restoring and supporting breastfeeding.
Preventing and handling donations of BMS and powdered milks.
Ensuring appropriate feeding for children with no possibility to be breastfed.
Ensuring availability and use of age appropriate complementary foods and supplements.
Ensuring the integration of IYCF counselling with emergency programmes for
management of SAM.

i. Preparedness and emergency planning

Emergency preparedness strategies for IYCF are crucial. The presence of a comprehensive, at-scale
IYCF programme with available cohorts of trained and skilled health providers and community cadres
positions a country better to address IYCF in emergencies. Achieving high rates of good
breastfeeding practices pre-emergency is important, as is knowing about the complementary feeding
situation and dietary deficits of children in pre-emergency situations. The following key actions help
prepare a country to address IYCF in an emergency:

Including IYCF interventions, with guidelines and training materials for IYCF in emergencies, in
emergency preparedness and response plans.
The Operational Guidance is due to be updated in 2011.

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Ensuring adequate local institutions and partners to design, plan and implement IYCF
counselling, support and communication activities in emergencies, including training of
humanitarian personnel and Government staff, as widely as possible.

Developing adequate cohorts of skilled IYCF counselors (health providers and community
workers) across the country should also be part of emergency preparedness as a key priority.

Educating Government and NGO staff on the importance of protecting and supporting
breastfeeding and approaches to preventing and dealing with donated BMS.
Countries need to implement and enforce the Code, including the adoption of a policy on not
requesting, preventing and dealing with donations of BMS and powdered milk, in emergency
situations. It is important to sensitize Governments on the issue of donations as part of
emergency preparedness, so that swift and decisive action can be taken at the onset of an
emergency to ensure donations of BMS are not requested by the Government and that any
donations are prevented and stopped effectively from the outset.
During the emergency, there may be a need to conduct rapid training on IYCF counseling and
specific issues (e.g. use of RUIF, how to establish and manage IYCF counseling sites [185] and
services, how to integrate IYCF in SFP and CMAM). It is important to have trainers and materials
in place as part of preparedness.

ii. Protecting, restoring and promoting breastfeeding

Creating conditions that will facilitate
breastfeeding as a life-saving practice is of
utmost priority during an emergency and
needs to be given appropriate attention in
emergency funding appeals, planning,
guidance,
coordination,
response
and
monitoring. Key actions include the following:

Ensuring that joint statements on the

importance of IYCF and donations of
BMS by UNICEF, WHO and the
Government are rapidly issued and
widely disseminated and publicized at the
start of an emergency; these can be
accompanied by tailored press releases.
Resources such as the Joint Model
Statement on IFE and Media Guide on
IYCF in Emergencies, which are on the
ENN website, can help to guide these
processes.
Creation of IYCF counselling services,
sites or safe havens for pregnant and
lactating women. The services aim to
help reduce stress, assess the feeding
and broader health and nutrition of the
infants and refer if required, provide IYCF
counselling
and
support
including
relactation or artificial feeding where
required, and provide the mothers with
special rations, water and supplements.
The services could be provided through
existing health or community structures,
integrated within CMAM services or child

Box 30: Some myths on breastfeeding in

emergencies to take into consideration during
design of counselling and communication
messages:
"STRESS MAKES MILK DRY UP"
While extreme stress or fear may cause milk to
momentarily stop flowing, this response, like many
other physiological responses to anxiety is usually
temporary. There is growing evidence that
breastfeeding produces hormones that reduce tension,
calm the mother and the baby and create a loving
bond.
"BABIES WITH DIARRHEA NEED WATER OR TEA"
As breastmilk is almost 90% water, exclusively
breastfeeding babies with diarrhoea do not usually
need additional liquids such as glucose water or tea.
Water is often contaminated in emergency situations. In
the case of severe diarrhoea oral rehydration therapy
(administered by cup) may be required.
"ONCE BREASTFEEDING HAS STOPPED, IT
CANNOT BE RESUMED"
With an adequate relactation technique and support, it
is possible to help mothers and their babies to restart
breastfeeding after they have switched to BMS. This is
sometimes vital in an emergency
MOTHERS WHO DONT HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT
CANT BREASTFEED
Only the most severely malnourished mothers will have
reduced breastmilk production and quality. Mothers
should be encouraged to breastfeed frequently so they
will see that production of breastmilk improves.
Supplementary feeding for pregnant and lactating
mothers is also essential.

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friendly spaces or through stand-alone specialized IYCF structures. The decision on which type of
service should be implemented needs to be made based on the following considerations:
o

When there are major threats or problems with breastfeeding large numbers of orphaned or
unaccompanied infants and many displaced people, destruction of existing health facilities or
disruption of services then stand-alone temporary services such as baby tents or baby1
friendly spaces are likely to be needed.
When the emergency is slow-onset such as a drought, there is no major destruction of
existing services and there are sufficient workers at sites with nutrition services, there is no
significant displacement of the populations and no major concentration of people into camps,
then IYCF services can be integrated within other nutrition services such as management of
SAM and supplementary feeding.

Establishing benchmark for required number of sites to provide counseling/support to all

caregivers of infants <1 and the human, financial and material resources required to run them is
important in planning the IYCF response.

Communication strategies (See Resources Annex 1-11) to promote optimal infant feeding raise
awareness of the risks of artificial feeding and broadcast information to mothers and caretakers
on the services available (e.g. the safe havens, counselling and support, etc.).

Effective IYCF coordination as part of the Nutrition Cluster is crucial. IYCF should feature
prominently on the agenda of nutrition cluster meetings, effective IYCF interventions should be
promoted, guidance and tools should be issued to all cluster partners, and if required an IYCF
sub-group can be created.

Monitoring of processes and outcomes of IYCF interventions in emergencies needs to be

appropriately designed and undertaken. For example, if a SMART survey is undertaken,
appropriate questions on IYCF may be included in the questionnaire as per the standard
3
guidelines for IYCF surveys , as well as other questions on receipt of donations and other
relevant questions as required. The Nutrition Cluster should monitor IYCF activities undertaken
by all partners as part of its standard monitoring portfolio. A review of the IYCF response may be
commissioned if required.

iii. Preventing and dealing with donations of BMS and powdered milks
Key actions on this important issue, which unfortunately arises in every emergency that occurs,
include the following

Ensuring that such donations are not requested or accepted. This may involve advocacy to
Governments to avoid requesting donations of BMS in the lists of emergency supplies, preventing
donations from being made, issuing a joint statement calling for donations to be avoided,
preventing consignments from entering the country through involving customs, or removing the
donations from distribution channels.

While the focus should be on preventing donations, if unsolicited donations of supplies do come
in, a sole coordinating agency should be designated to handle the donated supplies, including
their collection, planning their safe use and distribution. Appropriate use for those children who
require BMS as described above should be ensured, and surpluses to such requirements should
be used for target groups who could benefit from milk products, such as children 6-23 months or

An example of a stand-alone IYCF service is the baby tent programme in Haiti following the earthquake, for which
guidelines were developed (see [131] and Resources Annex.
2
Including key documents such as Joint Model Statement on IFE (IFE Core Group 2008) and Media Guide on IYCF in
Emergencies (IFE Core Group 2007)
3
As per IYCF indicators Part II (measurement), MICS or DHS questionnaires

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pregnant and lactating women by mixing with milled fortified staple foods or blended foods.
Powdered milk should never be distributed as a separate commodity. Close coordination is
needed with WFP and its implementing partners and other food aid partners who may be
preparing pre-mixes into which the powdered milk can be added.

Mapping or monitoring of the scope and scale of donations may be included in household surveys
1
or as a separate exercise .

Ensuring appropriate feeding for children with no possibility to be breastfed

2

There are some situations in emergencies when breastfeeding is not possible .This needs to be
determined on the basis of professional assessment and advice by staff trained on lactation
3
management, as well as on the accepted medical reasons for not breastfeeding .
Any provision of BMS for feeding infants and young children should be based on careful professional
assessment of needs, stipulating criteria for children with no possibility to be breastfed. They should
be used only under strict control and monitoring. In the case of BMS for children under 6 months and
unsafe water/hygiene conditions, a safer option may be ready-to-use infant formula (RUIF). These
products should be distributed separately from food aid and separately from breastfeeding
counselling consultations to avoid spillover. They should be stored, prepared and given under
hygienic conditions as per international guidance and under the close supervision of trained health
workers.
Procurement of RUIF or other BMS in an emergency for orphaned and other eligible infants should be
made by the Government or a designated agency under the coordination of the Nutrition Cluster.
4
UNICEF will only procure BMS after approval by HQ Nutrition Section .
Box 31
In May 2010 the World Health Assembly expressed its concern that national emergency
preparedness plans and international emergency responses do not always cover protection,
promotion and support of optimal infant and young child feeding, and issued Resolution 63.23
which urged Member States:
to ensure that national and international preparedness plans and emergency responses follow
the evidence-based Operational Guidance for Emergency Relief Staff and Programme Managers
on infant and young child feeding in emergencies, which includes the need to minimize the
risks of artificial feeding, by ensuring that any required breast-milk substitutes are purchased,
distributed and used according to strict criteria;

Key actions related to identification and appropriate feeding of infants with no possibility to be
breastfed include the following:

Rapid assessments should be conducted to determine whether the emergency-affected

population includes significant numbers of unaccompanied or orphaned infants or other eligible
infants with no possibility to be breastfed aged less than 1 year old who require support with
5
appropriate infant feeding . Estimates of numbers need to be quickly determined.

See Resources and tools Annex 1-11 for a report on a monitoring exercise carried out in Haiti, including the tool. The ENN
website contains a number of articles on monitoring of donations in recent emergencies.
2
See Section 6.2.2 of Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies: Operational Guidance (IFE Core Group 2007) [69].
3
See Acceptable medical reasons for use of breastmilk substitutes (WHO/UNICEF 2008) [1].
4
The IFE Core Group recently issued an addendum to the Operational Guidance that clarifies issues related to procurement of
BMS (available on ENN website).
5
Example criteria from the IFE Ops Guidance for temporary or longer term use of infant formula include: absent or dead
mother, very ill mother, relactating mother until lactation is re-established, mother who was exclusively artificially feeding her

123

Locally-appropriate solutions to feed these infants need to be rapidly identified at the outset of the
emergency. In some contexts this may involve wet-nursing or milk banks, while in others an
appropriate BMS may be the best solution, particularly RUIF.

Limited amounts of BMS may be appropriate in the hands of hospitals, camp health facilities,
NGOs and orphanages, for eligible children. The nutrition coordination mechanism in the country
(usually the Nutrition Cluster) should, as a key part of emergency preparedness, determine
whether the Government can procure any needed BMS in an efficient and rapid manner
according to defined criteria, or, in cases where the Government does not have this possibility,
identify an appropriate provider. UNICEF may be a provider of last resort, upon approval by
1
UNICEF HQ . The supplies should be in accordance with applicable standards recommended by
the Codex Alimentarius Commission and labelled in accordance with the Code.

Ensuring that only those children who need BMS receive them and avoid spillover effects.

Ensuring that those who make decisions concerning acceptable supplies are informed about the
dangers of distribution of these commodities.

Ensuring availability and use of age appropriate complementary foods and supplements
Children from the age of six months require appropriate, adequate and safe complementary feeding
in addition to breastmilk. Under emergency conditions it may often be difficult to meet these
requirements without additional support. Dietary diversity often decreases significantly, and risk of
micronutrient deficiencies becomes very high [186]. Therefore, provision of fortified foods or
micronutrient supplements in supervised programmes for young children represents a more
appropriate form of food aid than sending milk products or unfortified cereal-based food aid. Suitable
foods for feeding children aged 6-23 months include lipid nutrient supplements (see Resources
Annex 1-2 for description of complementary foods). Actions include:

Ensuring provision of appropriate complementary supplements or foods in cases where there is

no access to quality local foods. These supplements may include lipid-based nutrient
supplements such as Nutributter or Plumpydoz or fortified blended foods (FBFs) such as CSB++
for young children over 6 months old, with high nutrient density and of a suitable texture for
infants when prepared. Decisions on the type of foods, target age group (6-23m, 6-35m,24-59
months etc.), duration of the supplementation, targeting and delivery mechanisms will depend on
the local context and the situation, including the type of emergency, the nutrition situation, levels
of food insecurity and the availability of partners and suitable products.

Ensuring provision of multi-micronutrient supplements if required . Multi-micronutrients may be

given to older age groups (e.g. 24-59 months) where the younger children (6-23m) receive LNS
or fortified blended foods (FBFs), or they may be given to all children >6m once the food security
situation has stabilized but micronutrient content of the diet is still poor.

Counselling and communication on complementary feeding, including use of the supplements if

provided, as well as locally available foods, feeding and care practices, hygiene and care and
feeding of the sick child, should accompany any distributions of supplements.

187

Ensuring the integration of IYCF counselling with programmes for management of SAM
In contexts where CMAM programmes are implemented, IYCF should be fully integrated within these
infant prior to the emergency and cannot relactate, HIV positive mother who has chosen not to breastfeed and where AFASS
criteria are met, infant rejected by mother, rape victim not wishing to breastfeed
1
See the addendum to the Operational Guidance that clarifies issues related to procurement of BMS (available on ENN
website).

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programmes:

Any training on management of SAM (facility-based or CMAM) including during an emergency

should include a module on IYCF counselling. The UNICEF Community IYCF Counselling
Package can be used; it contains sessions tailored to the context of SAM.

Before discharge of children admitted with SAM, reviewing of feeding practices of the
malnourished child and counselling on exclusive breastfeeding or continued breastfeeding plus
counselling on timely, safe, appropriate and adequate complementary feeding (after 6 months of
age) , including demonstration of food preparation and sharing of recipes with mothers for optimal
use of locally available foods for children 6-23 months.

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Annex 1: Resources, tools & useful websites

Resources Annex 1-1: Policy & Planning
Materials available on IYCF policy, advocacy, planning and other technical resources:
IYCF Assessment Matrix. UNICEF (2009) This excel workbook is designed to comprehensively
capture all of the recommended aspects of a comprehensive infant and young child feeding
programme in a country, as well as report on the scale at which the different programme interventions
are implemented. Countries are encouraged to complete it to obtain a detailed and comprehensive
overview of programming, to periodically monitor programmatic progress and to assess to what
extent their country's IYCF implementation addresses the recommended action areas of a
comprehensive IYCF programme.
http://www.intranet.unicef.org/PD/YCSD.nsf/0/F996EEFE3EBD0EDC852572030074B023/$FILE/IYC
F%20survey-final%20June%2015.xls
Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding. WHO/UNICEF (2003).
http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/infantfeeding/9241562218/en/index.html
Infant and Young Child Feeding: A Tool for Assessing National Practices, Policies and
Programmes. WHO/Linkages (2003).
http://www.who.int/child_adolescent_health/documents/9241562544/en/index.html
Experience LINKAGES: Policy Dialogue. Describes the conceptual framework for policy change,
identifies the main policy issues related to IYCF, discusses LINKAGES strategies to address policy
dialogue challenges, and summarizes lessons learned. AED/Linkages (2006).
http://www.linkagesproject.org/media/publications/Experience_LINKAGES_PolicyDialogue.pdf
Planning Guide for National Implementation of the Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child
Feeding. WHO (2007).
http://www.who.int/child_adolescent_health/documents/9789241595193/en/index.html
Microplanning for immunization service delivery using the Reaching Every District strategy.
WHO. 2009. http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2009/WHO_IVB_09.11_eng.pdf
Scientific rationale for breastfeeding. UNICEF (2009). This document briefly summarizes the
scientific evidence for the benefits of breastfeeding and includes a list of references. The document
can assist countries in preparing briefing papers, presentations, guidance documents and advocacy
papers.
http://www.intranet.unicef.org/PD/YCSD.nsf/0/F996EEFE3EBD0EDC852572030074B023/$FILE/Scie
ntific%20rationale%20for%20BF%202009.doc
Quantifying the Benefits of Breastfeeding: A Summary of the Evidence. Leon-Cava N. et al.
PAHO (2002). http://www.linkagesproject.org/media/publications/Technical%20Reports/BOB.pdf
A Guide for Calculating the Benefits of Breastfeeding: The guide offers detailed guidance for
users of the Policy Analysis Tool for Calculating the Health, Child Spacing, and Economic Benefits of
Breastfeeding and identifies the main features of the tools seven worksheets and the basis for
calculations. J. Ross, V. Aguayo, H. Stiefel. AED (2006).
http://www.linkagesproject.org/media/publications/BOB_guide_10.06.pdf
PROFILES: is a process for nutrition policy and advocacy designed to demonstrate the contribution
that improved nutrition can make to human and economic development. It uses current scientific
knowledge and interactive computer-based models to project the functional consequences of
poor nutrition on important development outcomes such as mortality, morbidity, fertility, school
performance, and labor productivity. It also estimates the costs and benefits of nutrition

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programs in a given country. Software was updated recently to take into account new scientific
evidence, and is continuously being updated to include the latest literature available. At the
following link you can see the models Profiles has: For example, it has new mortality models
based on the WHO growth standards which use the mild severity category o f underweight,
stunting and wasting. It also has a new stunting-productivity model using the latest available
literature. http://www.aedprofiles.org/about-profiles

A Policy Analysis Tool for Calculating the Health, Child Spacing, and Economic Benefits of
Breastfeeding: This Excel spreadsheet tool consists of seven worksheets: introduction,
assumptions, breastmilk production, health, survival, fertility, and summary. The spreadsheets
estimate the effects of breastfeeding on a variety of functional outcomes with public policy
significance. J. Ross, V. Aguayo, H. Stiefel. AED (2006).
http://www.linkagesproject.org/technical/breastfeeding.php
Experience LINKAGES: Cost & Effectiveness. Describes the process LINKAGES' Madagascar
program undertook to link the costs of its interventions with the resultant changes in infant feeding
behaviours. AED/Linkages (2005).
http://www.linkagesproject.org/media/publications/Experience_LINKAGES_Cost&Effectiveness.pdf
Marginal Budgeting for Bottlenecks (MBB): A tool for performance-based planning of Health and
Nutrition Services for Achieving Millennium Development Goals.MBB is a result-based planning and
budgeting tool that utilizes knowledge about the impact of interventions on child and maternal
mortality in a country, identifies implementation constraints and estimates the marginal costs of
overcoming these constraints.It was jointly developed by UNICEF, the World Bank and WHO. It is
being used to assist in setting targets for proven high-impact interventions and the estimation of their
expected impact, cost per life saved and additional funding requirements, as well as a projection of
the required fiscal space to finance these extra costs. Information is available from UNICEF Health
Section, contact: [email protected].
Operational Guidance on Gender Analysis and Programming for Young Child Survival and
Development. UNICEF, Version 1, April 2010. This guidance aims to orient UNICEF programme
staff on how to apply gender analysis and programming to young child survival and development
overall, as well as to sectoral areas of intervention. While some areas are more advanced than others
in terms of understanding and mainstreaming gender into programming, this document provides a
starting point for pragmatically introducing a gender perspective into UNICEFs work in young child
survival and development. Contains a specific section on IYCF and maternal nutrition.
http://www.intranet.unicef.org/iconhome.nsf/1033ed9773ce3c1e8525756900783ac9/277b5da2ba871
7a885257769005a0a72?OpenDocument

Resources Annex 1-2: Technical

Technical guiding principles, norms and standards
The Optimal Duration of Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Systematic Review. Report of a technical
consultation. WHO (2001).
http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/optimal_duration_of_exc_bfeeding_review_eng.pdf
Acceptable Medical Reasons for Use of Breastmilk Substitutes. WHO/UNICEF (2009).
http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/infantfeeding/WHO_NMH_NHD_09.01/en/index.html
Guiding Principles for Complementary Feeding of the Breastfed Child. PAHO/WHO (2003).
http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/infantfeeding/guiding_principles_compfeeding_breastfed.pdf

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Guiding Principles for Feeding Non-breastfed Children 6-24 Months of Age. WHO (2005).
http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/infantfeeding/guidingprin_nonbreastfed_child.pdf
Complementary feeding: family foods for breastfed children. WHO (1998).
http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/infantfeeding/WHO_NHD_00.1/en/index.html
Description of available complementary foods and supplements (UNICEF 2009)
http://intranet.unicef.org/PD/YCSD.nsf/0/F996EEFE3EBD0EDC852572030074B023/$FILE/Complem
entary%20foods%20and%20supplements%20Sept.%202010.pdf

Resources Annex 1-3: Tools for formative research & other situation assessment
tools
Tools for situation assessment/prioritization
ProPAN Manual: Progress for the Promotion of Child Feeding. PAHO (2003). (currently
being updated) http://www.paho.org/common/Display.asp?Lang=E&RecID=6048
Linear Programming. WHO/LSHTM. A mathematical tool for analyzing and optimizing
childrens diets during the complementary feeding period (currently being revised to become
more user-friendly for programming in the field). http://www.nutrisurvey.de/lp/lp.htm.
A description of Linear Programming by SCN can be found at
http://www.nutrisurvey.de/lp/lp_scn.pdf
Trials of Improved Practices (TIPs). The Manoff Group. TIPs is a formative research
technique used for nutrition programming since the late 1970s to pretest the actual practices
that a program will promote.
http://www.manoffgroup.com/approach_developing.html

Tools for measurement of food security situation:

Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Analysis (CFSVA) Guidelines, WFP. January
2009. Provide extensive guidance on how to conduct an in-depth study of the food security and
vulnerability situation during a normal year (non crisis time).
http://www.wfp.org/content/comprehensive-food-security-and-vulnerability-analysis-cfsva-guidelinesfirst-edition
FAO/WFP Crop and Food Security Assessment Missions (CFSAM) Guidelines, January 2009.
Provides guidance on assessing crop and food security by looking at the supply and demand for
staple foods, and households access to food and on estimating uncovered staple food import
requirements. http://www.wfp.org/content/faowfp-joint-guidelines-crop-and-food-security-assessmentmissions-cfsams
United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Food Insecurity and Vulnerability
Information and Mapping System (FIVIMS) http://www.fivims.net/index.jspx?lang=en
FIVIMS is an Inter-agency initiative to promote information and mapping systems on food insecurity
and vulnerability.

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Guidance on measurement of food security, US Government.

http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/EFAN02013/
The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) is a USAID-funded activity that
collaborates with international, regional and national partners to provide timely and rigorous early
warning and vulnerability information on emerging and evolving food security issues. FEWS NET
monitors and analyzes relevant data and information in terms of its impacts on livelihoods and
markets to identify potential threats to food security. http://www.fews.net/Pages/default.aspx
Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) for Measurement of Food Access: Indicator
Guide, Version 3 of 2007): FANTA, in collaboration with Cornell and Tufts Universities, has developed
a Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) measure and a guide, with a standardized
questionnaire and data collection and analysis instructions.
http://www.fantaproject.org/focus/foodsecurity.shtml
Global Monitoring for Food Security http://www.gmfs.info
GMFS provides early warning, agricultural mapping and crop yield assessment services in
support of food security monitoring activities in Africa.

Formative research tools for IYCF:

Formative Research: Skills and Practice for Infant and Young Child Feeding and Maternal
Nutrition. AED/Linkages (2004).This manual trains participants to conduct formative research
using effective communication skills in order to collect information to plan and improve
programs.
http://www.linkagesproject.org/media/publications/Training%20Modules/Formative_Research_M
odule_2-23-04.pdf
Designing by Dialogue: A Program Planners Guide to Consultative Research for
Improving Young Child Feeding. AED (1997).
http://www.globalhealthcommunication.org/tool_docs/58/designing_by_dialogue_-_full_text.pdf
BEHAVE Framework: Strategic Planning for Behaviour Change. AED (2002)
http://www.globalhealthcommunication.org/tool_docs/54/the_behave_framework_-_full_text.pdf
Sample questionnaires for KAP studies. AED/Linkages.
http://www.linkagesproject.org/publications/index.php?series=12
Knowledge, Practices, and Coverage Survey 2000+Module 2 (2006). KPC Module 2
(Breastfeeding and Infant and Young Child Feeding) contains 14 questions on breastfeeding and
infant and young child feeding. IYCN Website links to KPC Survey Module 2 and 3:
http://www.iycn.org/monitoring-and-evaluation.php
Community Assessment of Breastfeeding Knowledge and Behaviours Questionnaires on
Infant and Young Child Feeding and Related Practices. Bolivia and Ghana (2003) breastfeeding and
complementary feeding community surveys:
http://www.linkagesproject.org/tools/m&equestionnaires.php

The Handbook for Excellence in Focus Group Research. AED.

http://globalhealthcommunication.org/tool_docs/60/handbook_for_excellence_in_focus_group_resear
ch_(full_text).pdf

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Resources Annex 1-4: Monitoring and evaluation

Indicators for Assessing Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices: Part 1: Definitions. WHO,
UNICEF, USAID, AED, UCDAVIS, IFPRI (2008).
http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/infantfeeding/9789241596664/en/index.html
Indicators for Assessing Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices. Part 2: Operational Guide
on Measurement (2010)
http://www.who.int/entity/nutrition/publications/infantfeeding/9789241599757/en/index.html
Indicators for Assessing Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices. Part 3: Country
Profiles (2010) http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2010/9789241599290_eng.pdf
Infant Feeding: Key Indicator Monitoring Manual. AED/Linkages/USAID (2006)
http://www.linkagesproject.org/media/publications/M&E_manual_IF.pdf
Standardized Monitoring and Assessment of Relief and Transitions (SMART) Methodology
and Surveys.
www.smartmethodology.org. Document:
http://www.smartmethodology.org/images/stories/SMART_Methodology_08-07-2006.pdf
Trends in Infant Feeding Patterns and area graphs (by country). UNICEF (2008).
http://www.childinfo.org/breastfeeding_infantfeeding.html
Introduction to Interpreting Area Graphs for Infant and Young Child Feeding. UNICEF. (2010).
http://www.unicef.org/nutrition/files/Area_graphs_introduction_SinglePg.pdf

Resources Annex 1-5: Code

International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. WHO (1981) and relevant World
Health Assembly Resolutions: http://apps.who.int/gb/e/e_wha63.html and the most recent WHA
Resolution: http://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/WHA63-REC1/WHA63_REC1-P2-en.pdf.
The Code Handbook: A Guide to Implementing the International Code, 2nd edition. Ellen Sokol
(2005). Contact IBFAN to order a copy of the guide: [email protected]
Making Sense of the Code. ICDC.Contact IBFAN to order a copy of the document:
[email protected]
The Code in Cartoons. Annelies Allain, (revised 2006).Contact IBFAN to order a copy:
[email protected]
Protecting Infant Health: A Health Workers Guide to the International Code of Marketing of
Breastmilk Substitutes (11th edition). Annelies Allain &Yeong Joo Kean. Contact IBFAN to order a
copy of the guide: [email protected]
Complying with the Code: A Manufacturers and Distributors Guide to the Code. Ellen Sokol &
Annelies Allain. Contact IBFAN to order a copy of the guide: [email protected]
Code Essentials 1, 2 and 3: Annotated International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes
and subsequent WHA resolutions, ICDC, September 2008. ContactIBFAN to order copies:
[email protected]

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Code monitoring kit: This 40-page kit contains a full set of guidelines and forms for Code
monitoring. ContactIBFAN to order a copy of the kit: [email protected]
For a full list of Code and other breastfeeding resources, see the IBFAN website:
http://www.ibfan.org/code-publications.html

Resources Annex 1-6: Maternity Protection

The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action Maternity Protection Campaign Kit. This kit
contains all the background information, tools and examples needed to assist in organizing a
successful maternity protection campaign. WABA. The Maternity Protection Campaign Kit:
http://www.waba.org.my/whatwedo/womenandwork/mpckit.htm
ILO Information Sheet on Maternity Protection. ILO (2004). Conditions of Work and Employment
Programme: Maternity Protection document:
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/condtrav/pdf/infosheets/wf-4.pdf
A Global Review: Working Conditions Laws 2006-2007. ILO (2008). Chapter 3 reviews the
maternity protection laws of 167 countries: A Global Review: Working Conditions Laws 2006-2007:
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/condtrav/pdf/work_laws.pdf

Resources Annex 1-7: Health service IYCF actions

Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative: Implementation, 20 hour (3 day) training course and assessment.
For maternity staff and health staff providing supporting services. The HIV sessions need to be
updated following the 2009 Rapid Advice. UNICEF/WHO (2009).
http://intranet.unicef.org/pd/ycsd.nsf/acf15d033c45653b85256fa5005984d2/28eaaa811f05356b85257
20300784bda?OpenDocument
Note: Section 5: External Assessment and Reassessment is not available online for general
distribution however is available upon request from UNICEF Intranet website or Headquarters
Nutrition Section.
Infant and Young Child Feeding Counselling: An Integrated Course (5 days). WHO/UNICEF
(2007).For health staff working with mothers, caregivers and children from 0 to 23 months of age.
Includes breastfeeding and complementary feeding, and HIV component optional depending on
setting, (HIV chapter will be updated following 2010 Guidelines on HIV & IF).
http://www.who.int/nutrition/iycf_intergrated_course/en/index.html
Breastfeeding Counselling: A Training Course WHO/UNICEF (1993). (currently under revision).
40-hour course that provides more detail on lactation management than the integrated course or BFHI
lactation management course. For health facility level workers.
http://www.who.int/child_adolescent_health/documents/who_cdr_93_3/en/index.html

Infant and Young Child Feeding: Model Chapter for textbooks for medical students and allied
health professionals. WHO (2009)
http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/infantfeeding/9789241597494/en/index.html
rd

Lactation Management Self-Study Modules, Level 1, 3 Edition. Wellstart (2009). Contact:

[email protected]

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Self-study and e-learning modules on lactation management and related issues. International
Board of Lactation Counsellor Education website.
http://www.iblce.edu.au/CERP%20Programs%20.php
Integrated Management of Childhood Illness. WHO (2008).11-day course (adaptations made in
countries for 6-day course; 1 day on infant feeding, including 2 practice sessions). For doctors,
nurses and other health workers at first level facilities.
http://www.who.int/child_adolescent_health/documents/IMCI_chartbooklet/en/index.html
Adolescent Nutrition: A Review of the Situation in Selected South-East Asian Countries
(chapter 8 contains strategies for adolescent nutrition).WHO (2006).
http://www.searo.who.int/EN/Section13/Section38_11624.htm
Essential Nutrition Actions: A Four Day Training Course for Planners and Managers of
Health & Nutrition Programs: Training guide for program managers and pre-service instructors
to train service providers in an action-oriented approach to improve the nutrition of infants,
young children and women. AED (2004; 2008 update available)
http://www.linkagesproject.org/media/publications/Training%20Modules/ENA_module_Ethiopia.p
df
Essential Nutrition Actions: Using essential actions in nutrition to improve the nutrition of children
and women. Training course for Health Workers. Three-day training for facility-based health workers
with 1-day training on IYCF. AED (2008). http://www.linkagesproject.org/
Training Methodologies and Principles of Adult Learning: Application for Training in Infant
and Young Child Nutrition and Related Topics. AED/USAID/Linkages (2005).
http://www.linkagesproject.org/media/publications/Training%20Modules/TOT-Adult-Learning.pdf
Facts for Feeding: Birth, Initiation of Breastfeeding and the First Seven Days after Birth.
Identifies actions health care providers can take during the first week postpartum to help the mother
and baby establish and maintain good breastfeeding practices. AED/Linkages (2003).
http://www.linkagesproject.org/media/publications/facts%20for%20feeding/FFF7daysEnglish_update0
703.pdf
Facts for Feeding: Feeding Infants and Young Children During and After Illness. This document
describes optimal feeding behaviours during and after illness, challenges of feeding during these
times, special considerations for common illnesses, and guidelines for counselling caregivers.
AED/Linkages (2006). http://www.linkagesproject.org/media/publications/Facts-for-FeedingIllness_11-21-06.pdf
Facts for Feeding: Feeding Low Birth weight Babies. This recent publication in the Facts for
Feeding series provides guidance on breastmilk feeding options to ensure that low birthweight
babies receive the attention needed to survive, grow, and develop. AED/Linkages (2006).
http://www.linkagesproject.org/media/publications/FFF_LBW_3-30-06.pdf
http://www.linkagesproject.org/media/publications/FFF_LBW_3-30-06.pdf
A Toolbox for Building Health Communication Capacity. AED/Linkages (1995).
http://www.globalhealthcommunication.org/tools/29
Behaviour Change Communication for Improved Infant Feeding. Manual for Training of
Trainers for Negotiating Sustainable Behaviour Change. Linkages (2004).
http://www.linkagesproject.org/media/publications/Training%20Modules/BCC_and_IF.pdf
Ethiopia - Counselling Cards for Fathers. These counselling cards were developed for use with
fathers, to encourage their support of breastfeeding and maternal nutrition. They tell fathers what they
can do during pregnancy and breastfeeding to support the health of their wives. AED/Linkages.
http://www.linkagesproject.org/media/publications/Tools/Ethiopia-counseling-cards-fathers.pdf

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Care for Development (UNICEF/WHO, March 2009): The Care for Child Development package
consists of simple recommendations health workers can make to families to improve the growth,
health and development of children; training programmes and materials, guidance for the integration
of Care for Child Development into ongoing programmes and activities at health and nutrition facilities
and in the community; guidance for adaptation for local conditions; advocacy materials; and a
monitoring and evaluation framework.
http://intranet.unicef.org/pd/ecd.nsf/96054cb61a0f902885256fd9004dda04/2641aa458a57dd4385257
5b400598923?OpenDocument

Resources Annex 1-8: Community based IYCF

Generic Training Package on Integrated IYCF Counselling for Community Cadres.
UNICEF. Contact the IYCN Unit [email protected] to obtain original software files. Pdfs at:
http://www.unicef.org/nutrition/index_58362.html
Integration of IYCF Support into CMAM: Facilitators Guide. IASC/IFE/ENN (2009). Facilitators
guide and handouts for participants on 1 day orientation on IYCF counselling in the context of
community-based programmes for management of severe acute malnutrition.
http://www.ennonline.net/pool/files/ife/iycf-cmam-facilitators-us-final.pdf
An Inventory of Tools to Support Household and Community-based Programming for
Child Survival, Growth and Development. UNICEF (1999). UNICEF Intranet website:
http://intranet.unicef.org/PD/CBSC.nsf/0/B4661542878584D6852575370068A118/$FILE/health_
UNICEF_inventory.pdf
Child Health in the Community: "Community IMCI". Briefing package for facilitators: Reference
Document. WHO (2004) http://www.who.int/child_adolescent_health/documents/9241591951/en/
Community-based Strategies for Breastfeeding Promotion and Support in Developing
Countries. WHO (2003).
http://www.who.int/child_adolescent_health/documents/9241591218/en/index.html
Learning from Large-Scale Community-based Programmes to Improve Breastfeeding
Practices: Report of ten-country case study. WHO/UNICEF/AED/USAID (2008).
http://www.unicef.org/nutrition/files/Learning_from_Large_Scale_Communitybased__Breastfeeding_Programmes.pdf
Community-based Breastfeeding Support Trilogy: Planning Manual, Guide for Trainers &
Supervisors and Training Curriculum. WellStart International Expanded Promotion of Breastfeeding
Program (1996). http://www.wellstart.org/publications.html
Mother-to-MotherSupport Group Methodology and Infant Feeding. AED/Linkages (2003).
http://www.linkagesproject.org/media/publications/Training%20Modules/MTMSG.pdf
Mother-to-Mother Support for Breastfeeding. Frequently Asked Questions. Linkages. 2004
http://www.linkagesproject.org/media/publications/frequently%20asked%20questions//MTMS_FAQ_u
pdate04-04.pdf
Positive Deviance/Hearth: A Resource Guide for Sustainably Rehabilitating Malnourished
Children. CORE Group (2003). http://www.positivedeviance.org/pdf/hearth_book.pdf

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Resources Annex 1-9: Communication

Improving Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices by Using Communication for Development in
IYCF Programmes: UNICEF, 2010. Consists of a Reference Guide and a PowerPoint presentation,
and is being presented through webinar sessions. (on UNICEF Intranet).
http://www.intranet.unicef.org/PD/YCSD.nsf/0/F996EEFE3EBD0EDC852572030074B023/$FILE/C4D
_in_EBF_manual-Version15_June_2010.pd
Using Communication for Development in young child survival and development
programmes: Manual for Web Based Training. UNICEF Intranet Website (2010). Contact Paula
Claycomb, [email protected]).
Behaviour Change Communication in Emergencies: A Toolkit. UNICEF (2006). This toolkit
includes a chapter on breastfeeding and some useful tools.
http://www.influenzaresources.org/files/BCC_in_Emerg_chap1to8_2006.pdf
Facilitating Community Participation through Communication. UNICEF (2001). UNICEF
Intranet Website:
http://www.intranet.unicef.org/PD/CBSC.nsf/0/4750BF75E9DB3D4C852573F500617D88/$FILE/
Singhal-UNICEF-Participation-Report-Final.pdf
Writing a Communication Strategy for Development Programmes: A Guideline for
Programme Managers and Communication Officers. UNICEF Bangladesh (2008). UNICEF
Intranet Website:
http://intranet.unicef.org/PD/CBSC.nsf/0/EB94FD48C00CAA95852575A00072354F/$FILE/CSD
P.pdf
Facts for Life. Fourth edition. Chapter 4 has messages on breastfeeding and Chapter 5 on
Nutrition and Growth; it also has suggestions on how to use the messages and how to design
and implement communication actions around the messages. UNICEF/WHO/UNESCO/UNFPA/
UNDP/UNAIDS/WFP/WB. 2010. www.factsforlifeglobal.org/
Examples of Communication Materials on Infant and Young Child Feeding. AED/Linkages.
http://www.linkagesproject.org/publications/index.php?series=12
Exclusive Breastfeeding: The Only Water Source Young Infants Need - Frequently Asked
Questions. Discusses the nutritional and health consequences of giving infants water during
the first six months, and the role of breastfeeding in meeting an infants water requirements.
AED/Linkages (2004).
http://www.linkagesproject.org/media/publications/frequently%20asked%20questions/Frequently
AskedQuestions_Water_eng.PDF
A Toolbox for Building Health Communication Capacity. AED/Linkages (1995).
http://www.globalhealthcommunication.org/tools/29
Behaviour Change Communication for Improved Infant Feeding: Training of Trainers for
Negotiating Sustainable Behaviour Change. AED/Linkages(2004).
http://www.linkagesproject.org/media/publications/Training%20Modul es/BCC_and_IF.pdf
Training modules on essential communication skills for front line workers, UNICEF Bangladesh
(draft available on UNICEF intranet, Communication for Development site)
Building Interpersonal Communication Skills: A Training Manual, UNICEF India, 2007.

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Learning to listen to mothers. Vella, Jane, and Uccellani, Valerie, Academy for Educational
Development, Washington, D.C. Focuses on GMP programmes. (Available at:
www.globalhealthcommunication.org)
Development of Messages and Materials to Promote Improved Infant and Young Child Feeding: A
Case Study in Northern Ghana. AED/Linkages. (2003).
http://www.linkagesproject.org/media/static_pdfs/ccards/ghana_bcc_casestudy.pdf
Development Communication Sourcebook: Broadening the Boundaries of
Communication. World Bank (2008).
http://wwwwds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2008/07/09/000020
953_20080709145627/Rendered/PDF/446360Dev0Comm1ns0handbook01PUBLIC1.pdf
World Breastfeeding Week. Website contains advocacy and communication resources for
each of the annual World Breastfeeding Week events. http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/

Resources Annex 1-10: HIV and Infant Feeding

Guidelines on HIV and infant feeding 2010. Principles and recommendations for infant feeding
in the context of HIV and a summary of evidence. WHO (2010). Includes a new, additional
principle on what to do when ARVs are not immediately available.
http://www.who.int/child_adolescent_health/documents/9789241599535/en/index.html
HIV Transmission through Breastfeeding: A Review of Available Evidence - 2007 Update. W
HO/UNICEF/UNAIDS/UNFPA (2008). This is superseded by the 2010 Summary of Evidence.
http://www.who.int/child_adolescent_health/documents/9789241596596/en/index.html
HIV and Infant Feeding: Update Based on the Technical Consultation. Held on behalf of the
Inter-agency Task Team (IATT) on Prevention of HIV Infection in Pregnant Women, Mothers and their
Infants, Geneva, 25-27 October 2006.WHO/UNICEF/UNAIDS/UNFPA (2008). This is superseded by
the 2009 Rapid Advice and 2010 Guidelines.
http://www.who.int/child_adolescent_health/documents/9789241595964/en/index.html
HIV and Infant Feeding Counselling Tools. WHO (2005, 2008) Breastfeeding counselling training
is a prerequisite. The trainers guide has been updated in 2008 and is based on the 2006 global
recommendations (may be updated to reflect the 2010 guidelines).
http://www.who.int/child_adolescent_health/documents/9241592494/en/index.html
HIV and Infant Feeding: Framework for Priority Action. WHO (2003). This is now outdated and a
revised framework has been proposed for development following the 2009 updated
recommendations. http://www.who.int/child_adolescent_health/documents/9241590777/en/index.html

Resources Annex 1-11: IYCF in emergencies

Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies: Operational Guidance for Emergency Relief
Staff and Programme Managers. ENN/IFE Core Group (2007). (Available in 9 languages and will be
updated in 2011). http://www.ennonline.net/pool/files/ife/ops-guidance-2-1-english-010307.pdf
Infant Feeding in Emergencies, Module 2, Version 1.1 for health and nutrition workers in
emergency situations, for training, practice and reference. ENN/IFE Core Group (2007).
(Available in English and French) http://www.ennonline.net/pool/files/ife/module-2-v1-1-completeenglish.pdf

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IFE Module 1, v 2.0, 2009: IFE Orientation package. ENN/IFE Core Group, 2009. This is a
package of resources to help in orientation on infant and young child feeding in emergencies
(IFE). These resources are targeted at emergency relief staff, programme managers, and
technical staff involved in planning and responding to emergencies , at national and international
level. This IFE Orientation Package (IFE Module 1, v 2.0, 2009) is an update of Mod ule 1 on IFE
(essential orientation), a print content first produced in 2001. It comprises e-learning lessons,
training resources and technical notes. Module 17 of the Harmonized Training Package of the
Global Nutrition Cluster will also be uploaded here once it is updated.
http://www.ennonline.net/ife/orientation
Introduction to Nutrition in Emergencies: Basic Concepts. E-learning lessons. Module 5 is on
IYCF in emergencies (produced by IFE Core Group). On UNICEF intranet or contact Erin Boyd
([email protected])
Model Statement and Media Guide on Infant Feeding in Emergencies. ENN/IFE Core Group
(2008). Model Statement on IFE: http://www.ennonline.net/resources/237 and Media Guide on IYCF
in Emergencies: http://www.ennonline.net/resources/126
Guiding Principles for Feeding Infants and Young Children during Emergencies. WHO (2004).
http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/guiding_principles_feedchildren_emergencies.pdf
Complementary Feeding of Infants and Young Children in Emergencies. Evaluating the Specific
Requirements of Realizing a Dedicated Complementary Feeding in Emergencies Training Resource;
a Preliminary Scoping Review of Current Resources. IFE Core Group/IASC Nutrition Cluster. October
2009. http://www.ennonline.net/pool/files/ife/cfe-review-enn-&-ife-core-group-oct-2009.pdf
Behaviour Change Communication in Emergencies: A Toolkit. UNICEF (2006). This toolkit
includes a chapter on breastfeeding and some useful tools.
http://www.influenzaresources.org/files/BCC_in_Emerg_chap1to8_2006.pdf
Joint Statement on Preventing and Controlling Micronutrient Deficiencies in Populations
Affected by an Emergency: multiple vitamin and mineral supplements for pregnant and lactating
women and for children aged 6 to 59 months. WHO/WFP/UNICEF (2007).
http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/micronutrients/WHO_WFP_UNICEFstatement.pdf
Integration of IYCF Support into CMAM: Facilitators Guide. IASC/IFE/ENN (2009). Facilitators
guide and handouts for participants on 1 day orientation on IYCF counselling in the context of
community-based programmes for management of severe acute malnutrition.
http://www.ennonline.net/pool/files/ife/iycf-cmam-facilitators-us-final.pdf
Management of Severe Acute Malnutrition in Children: Programme Guidance. UNICEF
(February 2008).UNICEF Intranet Website:
http://intranet.unicef.org/PD/YCSD.nsf/acf15d033c45653b85256fa5005984d2/a5877444f0698b07852
571a7003df704?OpenDocument#Management%20of%20Severe%20Acute%20Undern
Management of Acute Malnutrition in Infants (MAMI) Project: Summary Report. IASC Nutrition
Cluster/ACF/UCL/ENN. October 2009.
http://www.ennonline.net/pool/files/ife/mami-project-summary-report-final-041209.pdf
Guidelines for Selective Feeding: the Management of Malnutrition in Emergencies.
UNHCR/WFP (2009). http://www.ennonline.net/pool/files/ife/wfp-unhcr-sfp-guidelines.pdf

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Resources Annex 1-12: Useful websites

Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (BFMED):
http://www.bfmed.org
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine is a US-based worldwide organization of physicians
dedicated to the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding and human lactation. Publishes a
journal Breastfeeding Medicine, lactation management courses for physicians, protocols, resources
such as a Model Breastfeeding Policy, etc.
Academy for Educational Development (AED):
www.aed.org/
The AED website with information on AED projects, pages on infant and young child nutrition,
publications, materials on behaviour change and social marketing in particular which are relevant to
IYCF. AED also manages PROFILES, an advocacy tool (http://www.aedprofiles.org/) and Alive and
Thrive, a project on IYCN funded by the Gates Foundation.
Child Info:
www.childinfo.org
This website contains UNICEFs statistical information, including data used in UNICEFs flagship
publications, The State of the Worlds Children and Progress for Children. Website may also include
area graphs on infant feeding for many countries and technical resources for conducting UNICEFsupported Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), which are a major source of global data on
IYCF.
Emergency Nutrition Network (ENN):
http://www.ennonline.net/ife/
The ENN website with pages on infant feeding in emergencies containing the operational guidance
on IFE, training materials, media guide, news, links, resource library, etc.
FANTA Project:
http://www.fantaproject.org/focus/children.shtml
The Infant and Young Child Nutrition pages of the FANTA-2 project, a USAID nutrition project (20082013).
Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN):
http://www.gainhealth.org/programs/gain-infant-and-young-child-nutrition-program
The GAIN website with pages on its infant and young child nutrition.
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) http://www.ifpri.org
The site from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), which operates as part of
the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). The comprehensive
Research Themes section gives project information on subthemes organized under four
principal sections: Environment and Production Technology, Food Consumption and Nutrition,
Markets and Structural Studies, and Trade and Macroeconomics.
Infant and Young Child Nutrition (IYCN) Project:
www.iycn.org
The IYCN Project is the flagship project on infant and young child nutrition of the US Agency for
International Development(USAID), run by PATH (www.path.org/).The IYCN Project maintains a
collection of useful resources on maternal nutrition, infant and young child feeding, prevention of
mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) and more. The collection offers a variety of high-quality
training materials, publications, web links, and other helpful resources.
Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Global Cluster (Nutrition Cluster):

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http://oneresponse.info/globalclusters/nutrition
The cluster website with news, tools, training packages, events etc.
International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN):
www.ibfan.org
The IBFAN website with news, fact sheets, resources, Code watch etc. Website includes links to
regional IBFAN sites and the International Code Documentation Centre.
International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA):
http://www.ilca.org
The ILCA is the professional association for International Board Certified Lactation Consultants
(IBCLCs) and other health care professionals who care for breastfeeding families.
La Leche League International (LLLI):
http://www.lalecheleague.org
The LLLI aims to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support,
encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding
as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.
Linkages Project:
www.linkagesproject.org
USAID-funded project (19962006) to provide technical information, assistance, and training to
organizations on breastfeeding, related complementary feeding and maternal dietary practices.
Website contains many useful training, communication, formative research and monitoring tools on
IYCF.
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO):
www.paho.org
WHOs regional office for the Americas with documents on IYCF for the region (including Spanish and
Portuguese versions), as well as the ProPAN Manual.
UNICEF Intranet:
http://intranet.unicef.org/
This is the Intranet site accessible with a password by UNICEF staff, which has many IYCF
documents and documents on other aspects of UNICEFs nutrition programming. It also contains
Section 5 of the BFHI, including the computer tool. The IYCF documents can be found by going to:
Programmes > Young Child Survival and Development >High Impact Health and Nutrition
Interventions > Nutrition >Infant and Young Child Feeding.
UNICEF Public Website:
http://www.unicef.org/nutrition/index_breastfeeding.html
UNICEFs public website with pages on IYCF and links to documents and stories from the field.
UN Standing Committee on Nutrition (SCN):
www.unscn.org/
Information on the SCN work, meetings, publications, updates, news, networks, etc., as well as
working groups, including the breastfeeding and complementary feeding working group.
Wellstart International:
www.wellstart.org
US-based organization focusing on health professionals education on breastfeeding, includes
Lactation Management Self-Study Modules, Level 1. This educational tool is downloadable without
charge.

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World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA):

http://www.waba.org.my/
WABA is a global network of organizations and individuals supporting breastfeeding, which includes
IBFAN, ILCA, BFMED, Wellstart and La Leche League. Website contains information about WABAs
work, resources, events etc.
World Bank (WB):
www.worldbank.org/
The WB Nutrition Section website contains info on WB Nutrition strategy, news, links, etc, and WB
Nutrition Publications.
World Breastfeeding Week:
http://www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org/index.htm
World Breastfeeding Week website with information on the current and past years events.
World Food Programme (WFP):
www.wfp.org/nutrition
Contains information on WFP programming for nutrition, nutrition products, mother and child health,
stories and links.
World Health Organization (WHO):
www.who.int/child_adolescent_health/ and www.who.int/nutrition/
The WHO website includes the Child and Adolescent Health Department and the Nutrition
Department - containing information, guidelines, meeting reports, training courses, the new IYCF
indicators and other documents on IYCF.

139

Annex 2. Sample monitoring sheet for IYCF counselling

Health centre
Monthly
target

Year

Catchment population

Total target popl.<2

Target post-natal

Target 0-5 m.

Target 6-23m.

Monthly target <2s

12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

Coverage

100%

75%

50%

25%

0%
Jan

Cum
total

Feb

Cum
total

Mar

Cum
total

Apr

Cum
total

May

Cum
total

Jun

Cum
total

Jul

Cum
total

Aug

Cum
total

Sep

Cum
total

Oct

Cum
total

Nov

Cum
total

Dec

Post natal
counselling
Counselling
for < 6 months
children
Counselling
for 6-23
months
children
Adapted from the monitoring chart in the guide: Microplanning for immunization service delivery using the Reaching Every District (RED) approach. WHO. 2009

140

Annex 3: Sample Planning Matrix for Communication Strategy1

1. Behavioural
Analysis

Primary Participant Group (PPG): Individual

or Household Level

Secondary Participant Group (SPG): Community

Level

Tertiary Participant Group (TPG):

Policy/Decision Level

Who are the

participants?

PPG1: Mother

SPG1: MCH health worker

TPG1: Ministry of Health (head of family

health/nutrition)

PPG2: Senior women

SPG2: CHW/lay counsellor

TPG2: Provincial/District Director of Health

PPG3: Father

SPG3: Mother support group

TPG3: Head of province/region/district

Government

SPG4: NGO field staff

What are the current
behaviours?

PPG1: Gives water to breastfed infant <six m. or

BMS

SPG1: Does not communicate correct information on

EBF; does not promote EBF; promotes BMS;
provides didactic health education sessions

TPG1: Does not prioritize IYCF communication

strategy; does not allocate sufficient funds to
EBF component; allows BMS promotion;

PPG2: Gives water or BMS to infant <6m or

advises breastfeeding mother to do so

SPG2: Does not communicate correct information on

EBF; does not conduct activities to promote EBF

TPG2: Does not allocate resources or track

provincial/district implementation of EBF
communication plan

PPG3: Requires wife to maintain full workload,

not allowing sufficient time to breastfeed; does
not participate in infant feeding matters

SPG3: Do not use correct information on EBF in

contacts; do not seek out the breastfeeding women
in the community;

TPG3: Ignorant of the importance of EBF; does

not promote EBF in speeches; does not
promote and track success on improving child
health/nutrition status

SPG4: Does not use correct information on EBF;

promotes didactic communication and distribution of
posters; does not conduct supportive supervision to
CHWs or mother support groups

This format was developed by Dr. Renato Linsangan, formerly with UNICEF Pakistan. It has been used by several UNICEF Country Offices and can be adapted to fit
local needs. It has been partially filled in to give a sample of the information that might be included; the example in this case relates to exclusive breastfeeding.

141

1. Behavioural
Analysis

Primary Participant Group (PPG):

Individual or Household Level

Secondary Participant Group (SPG): Community

Level

Tertiary Participant Group (TPG):

Policy/Decision Level

What is the
recommended/ desired
behaviour?

PPG1: Gives only breast milk

SPG1: Promotes EBF correctly at every contact with

eligible women; does not promote BMS; uses
appropriate communication skills

TPG1: National IYCF communication strategy

developed and funded; takes necessary
actions to limit promotion of BMS; does not
tolerate any incentives to self or staff from
formula manufacturers; promotes EBF in
speeches, documents etc.

PPG2: Does not give infant any water;

advises mother to give only breast milk

SPG2: Promotes EBF correctly at every contact with

eligible women; does not promote BMS; uses
appropriate communication skills

TPG2: Assures resource allocation and

implementation of communication activities;
tracks implementation and discusses
monitoring results with ICYF team at regular
meetings; informs key govt officials of
progress/constraints

PPG3: Supports wife to lighten workload,

allowing sufficient time to breastfeed;
discusses EBF with senior women in family

SPG3: Seeks out all eligible mothers in community to

promote EBF, support and problem solve

TPG3: Speaks correctly about EBF at public

events; helps solve logistical issues for EBF
promotion and supervision

SPG4: Builds capacity of CHWs and mother support

groups to conduct interactive & problem solving
communication sessions on EBF; conducts regular
supportive supervision
What is the key barrier
to the recommended
behaviour?
(immediate and long
term)

PPG1: Senior women tell mother to give

water

SPG1: Lack of knowledge on EBF; bias towards

formula; work overload; supervisor does not
emphasize communication on EBF;

TPG1: EBF is not a donor priority; accountable

for success of other, high profile CSD
interventions

PPG2: Belief that water is necessary along

with breastmilk; belief that Grandma
knows best

SPG2: Lack of knowledge on EBF; work

overload/competing priorities; lack of resources and
incentives; supervisor does not emphasize
communication on EBF

TPG2: Not accountable from MOH for status of

EBF in locality; not convinced improving EBF
will change local child health status; lack of
human resources in communication

PPG3: Men perceive no role in infant

feeding and care

SPG3: Lack of knowledge on EBF; lack of community

recognition and support;

TPG3: Child health status not a re-election

priority; poor relations with health system;
lacks knowledge of impact of EBF

SPG4: Lack of knowledge on EBF; poor skills on

communication; supervisor does not emphasize
communication on EBF;
What are the other
barriers to the
recommended
behaviour? What
benefits come from
current behaviour?

PPG1: Competing demands on her time

(household and agricultural chores, work
etc.)

SPG1: Didactic methods require less time and effort;

incentives provided by formula companies;

TPG1: Prefers curative interventions; working

on communication involves new partners,
more meetings

PPG2: Senior womens authority over

mother of infant

SPG2: Curative services easier and garner greater

community recognition

TPG2: Comfortable with current programme

priorities

142

1. Behavioural
Analysis

Primary Participant Group (PPG):

Individual or Household Level

Secondary Participant Group (SPG): Community

Level

Tertiary Participant Group (TPG):

Policy/Decision Level

PPG3: Perception of wifes role in

household

SPG3: Targeted house to house visits require time,

effort and coordination

TPG3: Political rewards from other priority

areas; no pressure from community

SPG4: Interactive communication methods are

harder to teach and supervise
What current or
traditional practice/s
could support/serve as
root for (or enhance
promotion of) the
recommended
behaviour?

PPG1: Traditional culture of breastfeeding

SPG1: HW is the authority / influential/credible

TPG1: Responsive to donor inputs; working

on decentralizing CSD

PPG2: Senior womens role in child care

and feeding (giving water, teas, foods etc.)

SPG2: CHWs are community members; know

community

TPG2: Is good at networking

PPG3: Male head of household role in

wellbeing of family

SPG3: Womens role in infant feeding and care

TPG3: Likes networking, making public

appearances

SPG4: Contractual accountability; time and resources

limited by NGO budget
What social norms
hinder desired
behaviour?

PPG1: Wifes role subordinate to husband

and senior women in HH

SPG1: Didactic methods, authoritarian role

TPG1:

PPG2: Authority over daughters/daughters

in law

SPG2: May not be a credible source in community

(esp. male or younger female CHWs)

TPG2: team player means dont make others

look bad

PPG3: Male role does not include infant

feeding and care

SPG3: Social structures not conducive to mother to

mother support; class and ethnic differences;

TPG3: Party platform dictates actions,

priorities

SPG4: Class and ethnic differences

2.Communication
Strategy
What can
communication do to
overcome the key
barrier to the
recommended
behaviour?

Primary Participant
Groups: Behaviour
Change Communication
PPG1: Connect to EBF support group;
improve knowledge on EBF and that water
not necessary
PPG2: Promote another way senior women
can be involved in infant care and feeding;
improve knowledge on EBF
PPG3: Promote ways father can support wife
during EBF (nutrition, less work); improve
knowledge on EBF

Secondary Participant
Groups: Social
Mobilization
SPG1: Improve knowledge and communication skills;
community mobilization techniques
SPG2: improve knowledge and communication skills;
improve community mobilization techniques
SPG3: Improve knowledge and communication
skills; build capacity to plan and run group activities

Tertiary Participant Groups:

Advocacy
TPG1: Advocate with donors to prioritize ICYF
and EBF in particular and development of a
C4D strategy
TPG2: Advocate with MOH to allocate human
and financial resources at sub-national level
for C4D activities
TPG3: Improve visibility with voters; improve
knowledge of CSD and EBF

SPG4: Improve knowledge and communication

skills; support to supervisory activities

143

2.Communication
Strategy
What benefits
(immediate and long
term) of the
recommended
behaviour can C4D
promote?

What is the strategy

for behaviour
change?

Primary Participant
Groups: Behaviour
Change Communication
PPG1: Baby will not be as sick as often; no
financial cost

Secondary Participant
Groups: Social
Mobilization
SPG1: Doing more and effective communication on
EBF, discouraging BMS will improve health of
children in catchment area.

Tertiary Participant Groups:

Advocacy

PPG2: Continues role of influence; infant will

be plump and healthy

TPG2:

PPG3: Involved father results in healthy

children, lower medical expenses
PPG1: Get senior women to support EBF in
household by lighten work load, feeding
mother, talk to infants father

SPG2: Community recognition for role in supporting

EBF; doing more and effective communication on
EBF, discouraging BMS will improve health of
children in catchment area.
SPG3: Group will gain community and MOH
recognition for role in improving EBF rates
SPG1: Improve supervision to include communication
role; use media to create more supportive
environment for BF women; improve knowledge

PPG2: Improve knowledge of EBF, danger of

added water and BMS; show her correct role
in infant care and feeding

SPG2: Improve supervision to include communication

role; use media to create more supportive
environment for BF women; improve knowledge

TPG2:

PPG3:

SPG3: Show women how they are helping in

improving EBF rates and child health; improve
knowledge; have them target senior women as well
as EBF women

TPG3:

TPG1: Supporting EBF programmes and C4D

strategy will help meet CSD targets

TPG3:
TPG1:

SPG4: Improve accountability for supportive

supervision; involve in behaviour monitoring process
What should the
participant group do
(key behaviour) as a
result of exposure to
communication
activities?

PPG1:

SPG1:

TPG1:

PPG2:

SPG2

TPG2

SPG3:

TPG3:

What else should

the participant group
do as a result of
exposure to
communication
(supportive
behaviours)?

PPG1

SPG1

TPG1:

PPG2:

SPG2:

TPG2:

What is the key

PPG1:

SPG1:

TPG1:

144

2.Communication
Strategy

Primary Participant
Groups: Behaviour
Change Communication

Secondary Participant
Groups: Social
Mobilization

Tertiary Participant Groups:

Advocacy

PPG2:

SPG2:

TPG2

SPG3:

TPG3:

message?

SPG4:
What are the
supportive
messages?

PPG1

SPG1

TPG1:

PPG2:

SPG2:

TPG2:

SPG3:

TPG3:

SPG4:
What are the C4D
interventions?
(e.g., interpersonal
communication
through peer
education,
community
dialogues; street
theatre; radio/TV,
advocacy)

PPG1: See that BF women are exposed to

multiple channels of communication for
correct information and problem solving to
overcome barriers

SPG1: conduct communication skills training;

monitor communication outcomes

TPG1: Advocacy for prioritizing EBF and C4D

in national ICYF and CSD plans; use MOH
leaders to prioritise EBF and C4D at
subnational levels; package behaviour
monitoring data for use at national level

PPG2: Use folk theatre and mass media to

show senior womens role in infant feeding,
support to infants mother.

SPG2: conduct communication skills training;

monitor communication outcomes; use folk theatre
and mass media to create social environment for EBF

TPG2: Advocacy with provincial/district health

directors to prioritise EBF and C4D in ICYF
and CSD plans; use provincial/district health
director to monitor EBF and C4D activities and
outcomes at subnational levels; package
monitoring data for use at sub-national level

PPG3: Use folk theatre and mass media to

show fathers role in infant feeding, support to
wife.

SPG3: use folk theatre and mass media to create

social environment for EBF; recognize womens
group role; conduct communication skills training

TPG3: Assure press coverage of govt

leaders advocacy efforts; improve knowledge
of health impact of EBF; package monitoring
data for use by local leaders

SPG4: use folk theatre and mass media to create

social environment for EBF; conduct communication
skills training
What are the
programme
interventions?
(e.g., supplies,
services, training,
supervision,

PPG1:

SPG1: prioritize supportive supervision for HWesp.

in EBF promotion

TPG1: Monitor implementation of infant

feeding Codes; put ICYF and EBF on MOH
agenda; use monitoring data; seek funding for
C4D and EBF activities

PPG2:

SPG2: prioritize supportive supervision for CHW

TPG2: develop regular links with local

government and community to support BF

145

2.Communication
Strategy
management)

Primary Participant
Groups: Behaviour
Change Communication

Secondary Participant
Groups: Social
Mobilization
esp. in EBF promotion and community mobilization

Tertiary Participant Groups:

Advocacy

SPG3: assure linkages with health system; monitor

outcomes; recognize progress

TPG3: Include local govt official in monitoring

child health in locality;

promotion activities; find ways to iron out

logistic barriers to supervision, HH visits, etc.;
review and discuss monitoring outcomes;

SPG4: prioritize supportive supervision for NGO field

staffesp. in EBF promotion and community
mobilization

146

Annex 3: Glossary
Acute malnutrition: WFH <-2 Z scores or < 80% of the reference median and/or bilateral oedema
Advocacy: A continuous and adaptive process of gathering, organising and formulating information
into argument, to be communicated to decision-makers through various interpersonal and media
channels. This is done with a view to influencing their decision towards raising resources or political
and social leadership acceptance and commitment for a programme such as IYCF, thereby preparing
a society for its acceptance. Advocacy should include developing mechanisms to ensure that the
perspectives, concerns and voices of children, women and men from marginalized groups, are
reflected in upstream policy dialogue and decision making (based on McKee et al, Involving People
Evolving Behaviour, 2000).
Artificial feeding: Infant is fed only breastmilk substitute.
Balance of risks: To weigh therisk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV through breastfeeding and
excess morbidity and mortality associated with positive HIV status, against the risk of excess
morbidity and mortality by not breastfeeding, whether an infant is HIV positive or not. Current WHO
guidelines recommend that HIV positive mothers should avoid breastfeeding only if replacement
feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, safe and sustainable, or to breastfeed exclusively but stop
as early as possible. The risk of virus transmission through breastfeeding depends on a variety of
factors, including the disease status of the mother, whether she exclusively breastfeeds and for how
long. Experts now estimate that on average, for each month of breastfeeding, less than 1% of infants
are infected. With exclusive breastfeeding, the risk drops to less than half this level. The extremely
high risks of infant mortality associated with not being breastfed need to be taken into account when
informing HIV-infected mothers about options for feeding their infants.
Behaviour Change Communication (BCC): A research-based consultative process of addressing
knowledge, attitudes and practices that are intrinsically linked to programme goals, including IYCF. It
identifies analyses and segments audiences and participants and provides them with relevant
information and motivation, using an audience-appropriate mix of interpersonal, group and massmedia channels, including participatory methods and social marketing. Behaviour change strategies
tend to focus on the individual as a locus of change.In general, BCC is considered more data driven,
based on empirical evidence and able to demonstrate measurable results, sometimes in relatively
shorter time frames.
Bottle-feeding: Infant is fed from a bottle (with expressed breastmilk, water, formula, etc.).
Breastmilk substitutes: Any food being marketed or otherwise represented as a partial or total
replacement for breastmilk, whether or not it is suitable for that purpose.
Communication for Development (C4D): A systematic, planned and evidence-based process to
promote positive and measurable individual behaviour and social change that is an integral part of
development programmes, policy advocacy and humanitarian work.
It uses research and
consultative processes to promote human rights, mobilize leadership and societies, influence
attitudes and support the behaviours of those who have an impact on the well-being of children,
women, their families and communities. It uses a combination of advocacy, social mobilization,
behaviour change communication and social change communication. Using one without the others
will not yield the desired long-term results.C4D is a UNICEF term; previously known as Programme
Communication.
Community health worker (CHW): CHWs are known by many different names in different countries.
The umbrella term CHW embraces a variety of community health aides selected, trained and
working in the communities from which they come. CHWs are trained to carry out one or more
functions related to health care. A widely accepted definition was proposed by WHO: Community
health workers should be members of the communities where they work, should be selected by the
communities, should be answerable to the communities for their activities, should be supported by the
health system but not necessarily a part of its organization, and have shorter training than
professional workers.

147

Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM): Also known as Community-based

Management of Severe Acute Malnutrition (CMSAM). Evidence suggests that large numbers of
children with severe acute malnutrition can be treated in their communities without being admitted to
a health facility or a therapeutic feeding centre. The community-based approach involves timely
detection of severe acute malnutrition in the community and provision of treatment for those without
medical complications with ready-to-use therapeutic foods or other nutrient-dense foods at home. If
properly combined with a facility-based approach for those malnourished children with medical
complications and implemented on a large scale, community-based management of severe acute
malnutrition could prevent the deaths of hundreds of thousands of children. CMAM evolved from
Community-Based Therapeutic Care (CTC), which is a community-based approach for the
management of acute malnutrition in emergency settings. Although CMAM was developed in the
emergency context, its decentralized nature has been shown to lend itself to integration into existing
services at the primary health care level in the longer term and in non-emergency contexts. (Also see
IMAM in this glossary)
Community case management (CCM): A community-based approach for treating diarrhoea, malaria
and pneumonia in children.
Complementary feeding: The child receives both breastmilk or a breastmilk substitute and solid
(semi-solid or soft) foods. The process starts at six months when breastmilk alone is no longer
sufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of infants, and therefore other foods and liquids are
needed, along with breastmilk. The target age range for complementary feeding is generally taken to
be 6 to 24 months of age. It is not recommended to provide any complementary foods to children less
than six months old.
Complementary food: Any food, whether manufactured or locally prepared, used as a complement
to breastmilk or to a breastmilk substitute.
Counselling: A way of working with people so that you understand their feelings and help them to
develop confidence and decide what to do.
Cup-feeding: Feeding an infant from an open cup without a lid, whatever is in the cup.
Demand feeding: Feeding a baby whenever he shows that he is ready, both day and night. This is
also called `unrestricted' or `baby-led' feeding or feeding on cue.
Extension worker: The Community Extension Worker is the main actor, living and deriving a
livelihood within the community, but is not necessarily born there. Hence a CEW is accessible and
understands the communitys strengths, vulnerabilities and aspirations better than usually more
educated, professional extension agents. S/he knows the language and has intrinsic understanding of
community cultural norms, customs and practices. Extension workers work in all sectors, agriculture,
health, education, environment, etc.
Essential fatty acids: Fatty acids which are essential for a baby's growing eyes and brain, which are
not present in cow's milk or most brands of formula. Some of the food sources of fatty acids are fish
and shellfish, flaxseed (linseed), hemp oil, soya oil, canola (rapeseed) oil, pumpkin seeds, sunflower
seeds, leafy vegetables, and walnuts. Diets in developing countries are often deficient in essential
fatty acids, and sometimes supplementation is needed.
Exclusive breastfeeding: Infant receives only breastmilk (including breastmilk that has been
expressed or from a wet nurse) and nothing else, except for ORS, medicines and vitamins and
minerals
Expressed breastmilk: Milk that has been removed from the breasts manually or by using a pump.
Formative research: Uses quantitative and qualitative techniques (e.g., baseline data, focus group
discussions, in-depth interviews, participant observations) to learn more about a problem in its own
social context. Formative research helps identify the extent of the problem, such as use of BMS, in a
given population. It will explain existing levels of knowledge and attitudes toward the situation and

148

barriers to behaviour change. Source: Strategic Communications in the HIV/AIDS Epidemic by Neill
McKee, Jane T. Bertrand, Antje Becker-Benton, 2004
Formula: Artificial milk for babies made out of a variety of products, including sugar, animal milks,
soybean, and vegetable oils. They are usually in powder form, to mix with water.
Commercial infant formula: A breastmilk substitute formulated industrially in accordance with
applicable Codex Alimentarius standards to satisfy the nutritional requirements of infants during the
first months of life up to the introduction of complementary foods.
Fortified foods: These are foods that have certain nutrients added to improve their nutritional quality.
Growth Monitoring and Promotion (GMP): Growth monitoring and promotion programs include
regularly weighing of children to detect early growth falterers, using the growth chart as an
educational tool to trigger improved caring practices among health workers and caretakers. GMP is a
preventive and promotive strategy aimed at action before malnutrition occurs; it is a behaviour
change strategy carried out through communication to achieve adequate growth through home and
community action.
HIV testing and counselling: Testing for HIV status, preceded and followed by counselling. Testing
should be voluntary and confidential, with fully informed consent. The expression means the same as
the terms: counselling and voluntary testing, voluntary counselling and testing, and voluntary and
confidential counselling and testing. Counselling is a process, not a one-off event: for the HIV-positive
client it should include life planning, and, if the client is pregnant or has recently given birth, it should
include infant-feeding considerations.
Information, Education and Communication (IEC): An outdated approach to behaviour change
that focused on the development of posters, flyers, leaflets, brochures, booklets, messages for health
education sessions, radio broadcast TV spots and other materials, as a means of promoting desired,
positive behaviours in the community. Todays managers recognize that effective IYCF programme
design incorporates the design, pre-testing and production of materials as only one element of a
comprehensive C4D strategy.
Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM): Integrated management of acute
malnutrition encompasses both the community-based approach (see definition of CMAM above) and
in-patient management of severe cases of malnutrition with complications or less than 6 months in a
health facility or therapeutic feeding centre with skilled health care providers, both in the emergency
and development contexts.
Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI): A WHO/UNICEF principal strategy developed
in the mid-1990s that integrates all available measures for disease prevention and management of
the major health problems during childhood (fever, respiratory illness, diarrhoea and malnutrition), for
their early detection and effective treatment, and for promoting healthy habits within the family and
community. Based on this evaluation, IMCI gives clear instructions on disease classification and
problems, establishing the treatment that should be administered for each one. IMCI implementation
involves the participation of the community, the health-service sector and the family. This is carried
out in three ways: 1) improving the performance of health workers for in the prevention and treatment
of childhood diseases; 2) improving the organization and operation of health services so they provide
quality care; 3) improving family and community care practices.
Infant feeding counselling: Counselling on breastfeeding, on complementary feeding, and, for HIVpositive women, on HIV and infant feeding.
Infant: A child from birth to 12 months of age.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) studies: These surveys are a tried and tested way to
measure changes in peoples knowledge, attitudes and practices on specific issues. The Knowledge
possessed by an individual or community refers to their understanding of that topic. Attitude refers to
their feelings toward the subject, such as complementary feeding, as well as any preconceived ideas
they may have towards it. Practice refers to the ways in which they demonstrate their knowledge and
attitudes through their actions. Understanding these three dimensions will allow a project to track

149

changes in them over time, and may enable the project to tailor activities to the needs of that
community. KAP studies should be conducted both pre- and post-intervention to measure impact.
Lactation Amenorrhoea Method (LAM): Using the period of amenorrhoea after childbirth as a
family planning method. It is most effective during the early months and if the infant is exclusively
breastfed on demand including at night and as long as the menstruation has not returned, but there is
still a chance (of a few per cent) that the woman can become pregnant, and this increases after six
months, when other family planning methods should be used.
Lay counsellor: Lay counsellors are members of the community who are trained to provide a specific
service or to perform certain limited activities. Lay community counsellors overcome the issues of
entry into community, those related to ethnocentrism, and the shortage of resources, by training
members from within the affected community. Lay counsellors have been effectively used in
promoting exclusive breastfeeding and in supporting HIV and AIDS programs, among others.
Lipid-based Nutrient Supplements (LNS): Are ready-to-use foods that have been used for treating
children with severe acute malnutrition and for preventing malnutrition and linear growth failure.
Because of their high energy and nutrient content, LNS could be used for supplementation during and
soon after illness to mitigate the impact of illness-associated anorexia on the nutritional status of
children.
Low birth weight (LBW): An infant weighing less than 2.5 kg at birth.
Mixed feeding: Infant receives both breastmilk and any other food or liquid including water, nonhuman milk and formula before 6 months of age. Mixed feeding significantly increases the risk of
mother to child transmission of HIV.
Moderate Malnutrition (MM): MM includes all children with moderate wasting (also known as
moderate acute malnutrition - MAM) defined as a weight-for-height between -3 and -2 z-scores of the
WHO child growth standards and all those with moderate stunting defined by a height-for-age
between -3 and -2 z-score of the WHO child growth standards. Most of these children will also be
moderately underweight (weight-for-age between -3 and -2 z-scores).Children with moderate
malnutrition have an increased risk of mortality and MM is associated with a high number of nutritionrelated deaths. If some of these moderately malnourished children do not receive adequate support,
they may progress towards severe acute malnutrition (severe wasting and/or oedema) or severe
stunting (height-for-age less than -3 z-scores), both life-threatening conditions. Therefore, the
management of MM should be a public health priority.
Mother-support group: A community-based group of women providing support for optimal
breastfeeding and complementary feeding.
Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT): Transmission of HIV to a child from an HIV-infected woman
during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding.
Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC): MUAC is a quick and simple way to determine whether or
not a child is malnourished using a coloured plastic strip. MUAC is suitable to use on children from
the age of 12 months up to the age of 59 months. However, it can also be used for children over six
months with length above 65 cm.
Multi-micronutrient supplements: Preparations of several vitamins and minerals, in the form of
powders to add to food, syrups, capsules or tablets.
Norms: norms tend to reflect the values of the group and specify those actions that are proper and
those that are inappropriate, as well as rewards for adherence and the punishment for conformity.
Related to nutrition, there are many traditional beliefs and accepted norms that need to be recognized
and respected in developing socially acceptable and effective policies.
Operational research (OR): OR identifies service-delivery problems and tests new
programmatic solutions to these problems. An important objective of OR is to provide program
managers and policy decision makers with the information they need to improve and expand
existing services.OR employs many methodologies in a process that includes five basic steps: (1)

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problem identification and diagnosis; (2) strategy selection; (3) strategy experimentation and
evaluation; (4) information dissemination; and (5) information utilization.
Overweight: Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to
classify underweight, overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as the weight in kilograms divided
2
by the square of the height in metres (kg/m ). Measuring overweight and obesity in children aged 5 to
14 years is challenging because there is not a standard definition of childhood obesity applied
worldwide. The new WHO Child Growth Standards, launched in April 2006 include BMI charts for
infants and young children up to age 5. However, WHO is currently developing an international
growth reference for school-age children and adolescents.
Partial breastfeeding: Infant receives other liquids or solids in addition to breastmilk before 6 months
of age
Peer support or mother-to-mother support: Peer or mother-to-mother support takes place one-onone or in groups, informally or formally, in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, chance
encounters (market place, bus stop, church meetings, community hall, maternity clinics, etc.),
telephone counselling, hospital and home visits, interactive presentations at service club meetings,
schools, universities, etc. One form of peer or mother-to-mother support is the support group. A
mother-to-mother support group is initiated and operated by a mother who facilitates the meeting.
She may have received training, but her primary qualification is that she is a mother with
breastfeeding experience. Mother-to-mother support is not about giving medical advice but about
sharing information, and raising doubts or concerns.
Policy: A policy is a high-level overall statement of general goals and acceptable procedures
especially of a governmental body to guide and determine present and future decisions. An IYCF
policy, therefore, would spell out Governments goals and procedures in ensuring optimal infant and
young child nutrition at various levels including in the health system and at the community level. A
policy spells out what should be implemented.
Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT): In the absence of any preventive
intervention, infants born to and breastfed by HIV-infected women have a 2540% chance of
acquiring HIV infection. This can happen during pregnancy, during labour and delivery, or after
delivery via breastfeeding. The risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) can be reduced through
the complementary approaches of antiretroviral therapy for the mother and infant, implementation of
safe delivery practices, and use of safer infant feeding practices.
Predominant breastfeeding: Infant receives certain liquids (water and water-based drinks, fruit
juice), ritual fluids and ORS, vitamins, minerals, medicines) in addition to breastmilk
Prophylaxis: Women may receive antiretroviral (ARV) drugs during pregnancy as part of potent
combination regimens used to treat their HIV infection or as prophylaxis to prevent HIV infection in
infants.
ARV
treatment
for
women
benefits
their
health
but
also
substantially reduces the risk of MTCT. All efforts should be made to ensure that
all women who require ARV treatment have access to it.
Provider-initiated or opt-out testing: Testing for HIV that is routinely offered, for example in antenatal or delivery care services for women or for inpatients. Clients are offered the test and can
specifically decline to be tested. Once they accept the test, they are offered pre and post-test
counselling.
Ready to use foods (RUF): Are energy-dense, mineral and vitamin-enriched foods that deliver
precise quantities of macro and micronutrients and are therefore ideally suited to the treatment of the
various types of under-nutrition. These foods come in the form of oil-based pastes with the texture of
peanut butter. They have a very low moisture content and because of this they do not spoil and can
be stored in simple packaging in tropical climates. As they can be eaten straight from the pack and do
not require cooking or dilution with water, the labour and fuel demands on poor households are
minimised. RUF can also be designed for other purposes such as the treatment of adults living with
HIV or prevention of severe or chronic malnutrition in children under two. They can be made from a
variety of cereals and legumes including peanuts, chickpeas, sesame seeds, maize and soybeans

151

and can therefore be designed to take advantage of ingredients that are the most cost-effective in a
given area. The technique for making RUF is very simple and requires basic production processes
and technology that is generally available in developing countries.
Ready to use infant formula (RUIF): Are products that represent an option to feed infants,
especially those less than six months old, with no possibility to be breastfed, in a manner that may be
safer than feeding powdered infant formula. They are safer because they do not need to be mixed
with water, but still pose risks of contamination if fed in bottles rather than cups or if diluted with
water. These products are particularly relevant in emergencies.
Relactation: Re-establishing breastfeeding after a mother has stopped, whether in the recent or
distant past.
Replacement feeding: The process of feeding a child who is not receiving any breastmilk with a diet
that provides all the nutrients the child needs until the child is fully fed on family foods. During the first
six months this should be with a suitable breastmilk substitute. After six months it should be with a
suitable breastmilk substitute, as well as complementary foods made from appropriately prepared and
nutrient-enriched family foods.
Responsive feeding: Feeding infants directly and assisting older children when they feed
themselves, being sensitive to their hunger and satiety cues.
Rooming-in: A baby staying in the same room as his mother.
Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM): Malnutrition defined by a very low weight for height (WHZ below
three z scores of the median WHO growth standards), MUAC less than 115 mm, by visible severe
wasting, or by the presence of nutritional oedema.
Social marketing: The application of marketing techniques to achieve specific behavioural goals for
a social good.Social marketing campaigns may bemultifaceted approaches fora variety of audiences,
including mothers, their families and health care providers and their community. They are particularly
effective if part of a comprehensive communication strategy around IYCF.
Social mobilization:A process that engages and motivates a wide range of partners and allies at
national and local levels to raise awareness of and demand for a particular development objective
through face-to-face dialogue. Members of institutions, community networks, civic and religious
groups and others work in a coordinated way to reach specific groups of people for dialogue with
planned messages. In other words, social mobilization seeks to facilitate change through a range of
players engaged in interrelated and complementary efforts.
Social protection programme: Social protection involves policies and programs that protect people
against risk and vulnerability, mitigate the impacts of shocks, and support people who suffer from
chronic incapacities to secure basic livelihoods. It can also build assets, reducing both short-term and
intergenerational transmission of poverty. It includes social insurance (such as health, life, and asset
insurance, which may involve contributions from employers and/or beneficiaries); social assistance
(mainly cash, food, vouchers, or subsidies); and services (such as maternal and child health and
nutrition programs). Interventions that provide training and credit for income-generating activities also
have a social protection component.
Spillover: A term used to designate the feeding behaviour of new mothers who either know that they
are HIV-negative or are unaware of their HIV status they do not breastfeed, or they breastfeed for a
short time only, or they mix-feed, because of unfounded fears about HIV or of misinformation or of the
ready availability of breastmilk substitutes.
Strategy: A strategy sets out how the goals will be achieved and the selected interventions will be
implemented.
Supplementary feeding (SF): Provision of an additional food ration for moderately malnourished
children or adults - targeted SF; or to the most nutritionally vulnerable groups - blanket SF.
Stunting: Stunting, or chronic undernutrition, is a form of undernutrition. It is defined by a height-forage (HAZ) z-score below two SDs of the median WHO standards. Stunting is a result of prolonged or

152

repeated episodes of undernutrition starting before birth. This type of undernutrition is best addressed
through preventive maternal health and nutrition programmes aimed at pregnant women, and
improved infant and young child feeding of children under age 2, especially complementary feeding.
Supplements: Drinks or artificial feeds given in addition to breastmilk after the age of six months
Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding: Ten activities for support for breastfeeding in maternity
services, distilled from successful clinical experiences in protecting, promoting and supporting
breastfeeding in maternity services in a wide range of settings, both developing and industrialized
country
Trials of Improved Practices (TIPS): TIPs is a formative research tool to help programme planners
select and pre-test the actual practices that the programme will promote. Mothers and other family
members try out and sometimes modify a menu of possible improved practices prepared on the basis
of previous community research. In the case of infant feeding, recommendations are tested in homes
by discussing and negotiating specific practice changes, and following up to record the mothers and
childrens experiences with and reactions to the new practices. This method is also referred to as
household trials.
Undernourished: A classification that indicates undernutrition such as stunting, underweight, or
wasting.
Undernutrition: A consequence of a deficiency in nutrient intake and/or absorption in the body. The
different forms of undernutrition that can appear isolated or in combination are acute malnutrition
(bilateral pitting edema and/or wasting), chronic malnutrition (stunting), underweight (combined form
of wasting and stunting), and micronutrient deficiencies.
Underweight: A composite form of undernutrition including elements of stunting and wasting and is
defined by a weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) below 2 standard deviations of the median (WHO
standards). This indicator is commonly used in growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) and child
health and nutrition programmes aimed at the prevention and treatment of undernutrition.
Young child: A person from the age of more than 12 months up to the age of 36 months.

153

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