FACT SHEET 1 – Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYC)
This fact sheet outlines recommended feeding practices for infants and young children from birth to 24 months. It emphasizes exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth, and continued breastfeeding beyond six months. It also highlights complementary feeding practices, ensuring that children receive a diverse and balanced diet to prevent malnutrition. The document stresses the importance of minimum acceptable diet (MAD) and calls for strengthened maternal education, health system support, and policy interventions to improve child nutrition outcomes.
FACT SHEET 2 – Breastfeeding
This fact sheet provides key facts and benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants. It discusses breastmilk composition, colostrum benefits, and the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for six months, followed by complementary feeding while continuing to breastfeed up to two years or beyond. It also addresses common barriers to breastfeeding, such as lack of workplace support, cultural myths, and aggressive formula marketing. The document advocates for maternity leave policies, family and workplace support, and increased breastfeeding education to ensure better health outcomes for both mother and child.
Source: iAHO
FACT SHEET 3 – Breastfeeding_Regional_fact_sheet_2023
This 2023 WHO African Region Fact Sheet provides a comprehensive analysis of breastfeeding trends, policies, and challenges across 47 countries. Key findings reveal gaps in early initiation (53% vs. 70% target) and exclusive breastfeeding rates (45% vs. 2030 goal), with disparities between nations. The report highlights critical underinvestment (only 9% of countries meet funding benchmarks) and policy shortfalls in maternity leave, workplace support, and enforcement of breastmilk substitute marketing codes. It calls for urgent action—including community programs, healthcare worker training, and emergency nutrition support—to accelerate progress toward global targets and reduce child mortality through improved breastfeeding practices.