200 likes | 215 Views
Learn why breastfeeding is crucial in emergency situations and how it can save lives. Discover the risks of artificial feeding and the importance of supporting breastfeeding practices. Explore the concept of Infant and Young Child Feeding (IFE) in emergency preparedness. Help protect and support infants and young children during emergencies.
E N D
Why it matters Marie McGrath, Emergency Nutrition Network
An emergency is extraordinary situation of natural or political origin that puts the health and survival of a population at risk. An emergency can happen anywhere
42 countries account for 90% U5 deaths 6 countries account for 50% of U5 deaths
Sub-optimal breastfeeding especially non-exclusive breastfeeding 1.4 million deaths and 10% disease burden in U5s Lancet Series, 2008
Supporting early initiation of exclusive and continued breastfeeding is the most effective intervention to reduce U5 deaths • A newborn should start breastfeeding within one hour of birth
16% of neonatal deaths could be saved if all infants were breastfedfrom day 1. 22% would be saved if breastfeeding started within the recommended 1st hour after birth. Edmond, 2006
Global burden of malnutrition • Severe wasting: 1.5 million U5 deaths/year • Moderate wasting: 3.5 million U5 deaths/year Niger, 2005 95% of 43,529 malnourished cases admitted for therapeutic care were U2 Defourny et al, 2006. Optimal IYCF practices : key intervention in prevention & treatment of malnutrition
Nutritional Immunological/Physiological Psychological
Physical Practical
Breastfeeding reduces trauma Analgesic Helps reducestress Unifies mothers & child
Community Family
Breastmilk should remain the main food for infants during most of the first year.
Continued breastfeeding: to 2 years and beyond • Breastmilk contributes • 50% energy 6-<12 months • 30-40% energy 12-<24 months Complementary foods should be added to the breastfed infants diet, not replace breastmilk.
Complementary feeding: risky practices Early introduction Delayed introduction Aninadequate amount Breastmilk replacement Poor hygiene
The risks of artificial feeding 2. It actively increases vulnerability 1. It does not have the protective properties of breastmilk 3. It carries risks linked to the methods of feeding 5. It increases food insecurity 4. Infant formula is not sterile
The risks of artificial feeding in emergencies Relation between prevalence of diarrhoea and receipt of donated infant formula, YogyakartaIndonesia post-2006 earthquake. Relation between prevalence of diarrhoea and receipt of donated infant formula, YogyakartaIndonesia post-2006 earthquake.
The risks of artificial feeding in emergencies Lessons from floods in Botswana, 2006, in context of replacement feeding as part of PMTCT programme • Huge rise in diarrhoea • National U5 mortality up 18% over previous years • Replacement fed infants x50 admission (severe acute malnutrition, diarrhoea) • Spillover to 15% HIV-uninfected mothers • Creek et al, 2006
What is IFE? Complementary feeding A range of activities at different levels emergency preparedness Protecting and supporting breastfed and non-breastfed infants.
Those “involved in response and recovery work, have an obligation to protect all people from the avoidable consequences of disasters and from further harm, discrimination, and rights violations”. The aim of IFE is to fulfil our obligation to infants and young children and to their families, caught up in emergencies worldwide.