Infant and Young Child Feeding

The first two years of life are critical in child development, and when children are at the highest risk for malnutrition-related diseases that can have a lasting effect on growth and development. HKI implements Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) programs within the Essential Nutrition Actions (ENA) framework to promote optimal breastfeeding and the timely introduction of complementary foods to ensure optimal growth, development and disease resistance.

Breastfeeding enhances both infant and maternal health. Breast milk provides infants with antibodies necessary to resist infections while providing the appropriate amount of nutrients in an easily absorbable form. In addition, breast milk contains enzymes, hormones and growth factors not found in formula. Breastfed infants are less likely to suffer from diarrhea and severe bacterial infections than non-breastfed infants. Breastfeeding also benefits maternal health since it helps mothers recover from childbirth. HKI’s IYCF programs raise awareness among health workers and throughout communities about the importance of early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months.

After 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding, children need additional sources of micronutrients and energy. In harmony with breastfeeding practices, HKI works to promote the use of easily-consumed and digested foods, known as complementary foods, to balance a child’s needs at this vital stage.

In many developing nations, complementary foods of appropriate nutritional value are often not available which can have severe consequences on a child’s health and growth. HKI works to enrich complementary foods by promoting point-of-use fortification or adding nutritional supplements, such as Sprinkles®, to complementary foods to provide minerals and vitamins essential for good health. HKI also works with government and local agencies to create materials to train health workers and promote positive nutrition behaviors and has contributed to the development of national protocols to aid in training and building nutritional capacity. To learn more about Sprinkles®, click here.