Project Example

Infant and Young Child Feeding in Haiti

A five-year study in Haiti found that the preventive approach was more effective in reducing population malnutrition levels than the recuperative approach. After three years, the prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting was significantly lower in the preventive communities than in communities where a recuperative approach had been used.

In preventive approaches to food-assisted maternal and child health and nutrition programs, food is provided to all children 6-24 months in target areas with a high prevalence of malnutrition, thus supporting growth and preventing malnutrition. In recuperative approaches, food is used to rehabilitate children (typically those under five) already suffering from malnutrition. These findings provide the first evidence of the relative effectiveness of a preventive approach compared to a recuperative one.

Included in this communication program are a facilitator’s guide and toolkit, 13 session descriptions with coordinating illustrations, a series of handouts, a child development chart, and several informational packets relating to correct feeding and adult learning practices. These materials are designed to teach mothers and communities the importance of infant and child nutrition, specifically on good breastfeeding practices.

Source: FHI360

Date of Publication: March 25, 2019