Overview:

The JP aimed to complement existing efforts to improve infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices anchored in exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) during the first six months of life, together with introduction of complementary feeding from six months of age onward and continued breastfeeding. It endeavors to create an enabling environment for optimum infant and young child feeding practices that are promoted, supported and protected by communities and the nation as a whole through strengthened partnerships, joint programming and increased government ownership.

By the end of the JP, more than 23% mothers were exclusively breastfeeding their babies under 6 month old. While this can’t be attributed solely to JP it can be assumed the JP contributed. It also promoted initiatives to support breastfeeding in the workplace in both the formal and informal sectors.

During the JP a nearly 6% annual decrease in the prevalence of under nutrition was reported. Interventions included counseling on complementary feeding, recipe trials and supply and distribution of multiple micronutrient powder (MNP). While the JP did not have specific targets for anemia prevalence, the end line survey showed a decline among children 6-24 months old and a more significant decline for children 6-11 months old.

The JP assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices on policies related to IYCF in the first year as a basis for actions. It piloted an early warning system for food and nutrition security, and helped strengthen the evaluation information system.

Outcome 1:

Increase EBF rates in the project areas by 20% annually.

Outcome Achievements:

• 23.2% increase of mothers with babies less than 6 months doing exclusive breastfeeding in the JP areas
• Initiatives to promote EBF in the workplace in both formal and informal sector with the establishment of lactation stations in public markets, although use was scarce as mothers tend to leave children behind with neighbors.

Outcome 2:

Reduce the prevalence of under nutrition by at least 3% by 2012.

Outcome Achievements:

• The JP managed a 5.8% annual decrease in the prevalence of under nutrition, above the expected target.
• Interventions included counseling on complementary feeding, recipe trials and supply and distribution of multiple micronutrient powder (MNP).
• Complementary food to infants increased by over 20%.
• While the JP did not have specific  targets for anemia prevalence, the end line survey showed a decline  among children 6-24 months old (p=.534) and a significant decline for children 6-11 months old (p=.022).

Outcome 3:

Improve the capacities of national and local governments and stakeholders to promote and implement policies and programme on IYCF.

Outcome Achievements:

• Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices on policies related to IYCF in the first year
• Piloting of an early warning system for food and nutrition security implemented throughout the project life.
• Evaluation of the nutrition information system.
• Results of all assessments were distributed and disseminated.

Best Practices:

• The JP’s action took place in key areas, including community hospitals and the workplace in both the formal and informal sectors.
• The JP was able to leverage funds and services from counterparts at both regional and national level (IYCF Strategic Plan for 2011-2016 and in the NNC budgetary forward estimates).
• Some components of the JP were integrated into the EU-UNICEF’s Maternal and Young Child Nutrition Security Initiative.

Lessons Learned:

• Three years is not enough time to achieve the targets established, considering start up needs and that changes in behavior, which take long to evolve, were required.  
• The formulation of the JP should better define specific modes of implementation, which would help identify needs.
• The participation of an expert in conducting baseline and endline surveys in the conceptualization stage would help to make targets more clear and specific.
• Ensuring access to clean and safe water, livelihood and poverty reduction programs were identified as key for a comprehensive approach to malnutrition. 

More details can be found in the documents below.