By Vibharika Chandola | Programme Officer- Training
Dear Friend,
It has been a wonderful quarter for us. As shared in our last report, we launched our report on the 4th assessment of India’s Policies and Programmes on Infant and Young Child Feeding using the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative 2015 titled “Arrested Development” on 1st September 2015. We are happy that out efforts of consistently assessing India’s standing in policy and programmes every three years from 2005 have been successful.
The report was launched by Ms. Nutan Guha Biswas, Additional Secretary-Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. The event was attended by 61 participants from civil society, professionsal, government/ministries, UNICEF, academicians, and media. Dr.Arun Gupta welcomed the participants and gave an overview on the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative (WBTi) and its objectives. He also shared the process of the current WBTi India Assessment 2015. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84Fcfw_jQ8Y ) Dr.Vandana Prasad, National Convener, Public Health Resource Network, shared the findings from the WBTiIndia Assessment 2015 and also the way forward to generate action to bridge the gaps thus found. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHyjna7LTvM )
The report launch was followed by a panel discussion on the way forward. The panellists reflected on the work of Ministry of health done in the past that has led to better IYCF practices. However, it was stressed that a proper policy on IYCF and surveillance system and health facility to support mothers to feed needs to be formulated. Importance of maternity protection for successful breastfeeding was also pointed. A Call to Action on Breastfeeding and Infant and young child feeding with key recommendations emerging from the report was also shared. Participants read and endorsed the same by signing it up. The report was shared widely and received great attention from the media with reports flowing in national dailies and news channels.
We are constantly working both at the policy and programmes level and also at the grassroots level to improve programmes and practices regarding infant and child health. If you agree and support the key recommendations please show us your support through GlobalGiving.
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