National Communication Framework and Plan for Infant and Young Child Feeding in Bangladesh.

The Government of Bangladesh (GOB) has taken several important steps to address IYCF problems. The overall goal of the National IYCF Strategy (2007) is to improve nutritional status, growth and development, health, and survival of infants and young children in Bangladesh through optimal IYCF practices. The specific objectives of the National Strategy are to: Increase the national percentage of newborns who are breastfed within one hour of birth from 24% to 50%; Increase the national percentage of infants aged less than 6 months who are exclusively breastfed from 42% to 60%; Maintain the national percentage of children aged 20-23 months who are still breastfed at 90%; Increase the percentage of children aged 6-9 months who are breastfed and receive appropriate complementary foods to 50%. The national IYCF programme aims to create an environment to improve IYCF practices by addressing barriers regarding knowledge and practices on infant and young child feeding.
Advocacy Objectives: By the end of 2013, 50% of government authorities (all directors and programme managers from DGHS and DGFP) and development partners are sensitized about National IYCF Strategy and initiate allocation of resources for implementing relevant sections of the action plan and give additional support for mainstreaming IYCF into health, family planning, education, agriculture, food security and nutrition sector programmes.