1. Overview
Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) refers to the nourishment of children from birth to 24 monthsthe period when growth is most rapid and nutrition has a profound impact on health, development, and survival. The global community, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and a network of partners, has endorsed a comprehensive strategy to improve IYCF practices worldwide.
The strategy aims to reduce stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies, while also supporting cognitive development and longterm productivity. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and the broader agenda of universal health coverage.
2. Core Principles
- Evidencebased recommendations: Breastfeeding and complementary feeding guidelines are rooted in rigorous scientific research.
- Equity and inclusion: Target interventions to reach the most vulnerable groupspovertyaffected families, displaced populations, and remote communities.
- Multisectoral collaboration: Health, agriculture, education, social protection and the private sector must act together.
- Human rights orientation: Protect mothers right to breastfeed and childrens right to adequate nutrition.
- Sustainability: Build capacity within national systems so gains endure beyond donor funding cycles.
3. Strategic Goals (20242030)
- Increase exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates to 70% for infants under 6months.
- Achieve timely introduction of safe, adequate complementary foods** for 80% of children aged 623months.
- Reduce the prevalence of stunting to below 15%** in children under five.
- Eliminate inappropriate marketing of breastmilk substitutes (BMS) in line with the International Code.
- Strengthen national governance and financing** for IYCF programmes.
4. Key Actions
4.1 Policy and Legislative Framework
Countries should adopt and enforce legislation that:
- Mandates maternity leave of at least 14weeks with guaranteed job protection.
- Requires health facilities to become babyfriendly by implementing the WHO/UNICEF Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.
- Enforces the International Code of Marketing of BreastMilk Substitutes and its subsequent resolutions.
4.2 HealthSystem Strengthening
Integrate IYCF counseling into all levels of care:
- Train community health workers to provide earlypostnatal home visits.
- Include IYCF indicators in routine health information systems.
- Ensure supply of essential supplies: lactation rooms, breast pumps, micronutrient supplements.
4.3 NutritionSensitive Agriculture
Promote production and accessibility of nutrientdense foods:
- Support smallholder farms growing VitaminA rich orangefleshed sweet potatoes and ironrich legumes.
- Facilitate market linkages that keep complementary foods affordable.
4.4 Social Protection & Food Safety
Link cashtransfer programmes with nutrition education to encourage optimal feeding practices while safeguarding against unsafe foods.
4.5 BehaviourChange Communication
Deploy mass media, mobile messaging and community groups to:
- Normalize exclusive breastfeeding.
- Demonstrate preparation of ageappropriate complementary meals.
- Counteract myths promoted by BMS marketing.
4.6 Monitoring and Research
Invest in data collection to track progress:
- Standardized IYCF surveys every 3years.
- Operational research on culturallytailored interventions.
5. Monitoring & Evaluation Framework
Core Indicators
- Percentage of children 05months exclusively breastfed.
- Median duration of continued breastfeeding at 12months.
- Timely introduction of complementary foods (6months).
- Dietary diversity score for children 623months.
- Prevalence of stunting, wasting and micronutrient deficiencies.
Data sources include Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), facilitybased registers, and national nutrition surveillance systems. Countries should publish annual IYCF progress reports and conduct midterm reviews at the global level.
6. Resources for Implementation
| Resource | Type | Primary Audience | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHO Model Chapter on Infant Feeding | Guideline | Policy makers & clinicians | WHO |
| UNICEF BabyFriendly Hospital Initiative Toolkit | Implementation package | Hospital administrators | UNICEF |
| International Code of Marketing of BMS | Legal framework | Regulators & NGOs | WHO |
| IYCF Monitoring and Evaluation Handbook | Technical guide | Program managers | WHO |
| FAO/WHO Guidance on Complementary Feeding | Nutrition standards | Food technologists & NGOs | FAO |
All links accessed July2026.
