Title: Evolution of policy related to breastfeeding at the Agency for International Development (A.I.D.).

POPLINE Document Number: 121080

Author(s):

Marlett M

Source citation:

In: Breastfeeding policy: the role of U.S.-based international organizations. Report of a panel presentation at the NCIH Annual Meeting, June, 1989, edited by John T. Queenan, Miriam H. Labbok, and Katherine Krasovec. Washington, D.C., Georgetown University, Institute for International Studies in Natural Family Planning, 1990 May. :1-7. (Institute Issues Report No. 5)

Abstract:

Breast feeding promotion in developing countries has been hindered by the absence of formal, explicit breast feeding policies and a lack of accurate knowledge on the part of health professionals. In response to these concerns, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has strengthened country-specific breast feeding efforts in its sectors concerned with fertility, health, and nutritional status. All three sectors share the goals of optimizing child survival, maternal health, and promotion of the contraceptive effects of breast feeding. The USAID Child Survival Strategy incorporates breast feeding interventions into the control of diarrheal disease, malnutrition, and inadequate birth spacing through supportive birthing and hospital practices, improved information and support for health personnel and lactating mothers, integration of oral rehydration and breast feeding promotion, promotion of breast feeding in family planning programs, community support, and legislative and policy initiatives. Of the 72 long-term USAID-supported breast feeding projects in 30 countries, 47% are being implemented by local private voluntary organizations and 16 are national in scope. Current goals include evaluation of the quality and impact of USAID-assisted projects in this area, strengthening of existing field and centrally funded projects that address or have the potential to address breast feeding, and formulation of a BREASTECH project.

Keywords:

Developing Countries
USAID
Breastfeeding
Promotion
Policy
Program Activities
Child Survival
Foreign Aid
Government Agencies
Organizations
Infant Nutrition
Nutrition
Health
Marketing
Economic Factors
Programs
Organization and Administration
Survivorship
Length of Life
Mortality
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Population
Financial Activities