GROUP 3
EVERLYN MUNYEKE - HB5/68249/23
JILLO BORU - HB5/68259/23
MOANA AKINYI -HB5/68307/23
MARYLYNS NALIAKA - HB5/68269/23
ERIC LANTEI - HB5/68303/23
Global and Local Initiatives for the Promotion of Optimal Maternal, Infant and Young Child
Nutrition.
INTRODUCTION
Optimal maternal, infant, and young child nutrition (MIYCN) is critical for survival, growth, and
development. Malnutrition during this period can lead to lifelong health consequences,
including stunted growth, impaired cognitive development, and increased susceptibility to
diseases. Several global and local initiatives have been established to improve MIYCN,
addressing challenges such as food insecurity, lack of education, and inadequate healthcare
services.
GLOBAL INITIATIVES
1. The Global Nutrition Targets 2025
Established by the World Health Organization (WHO), these targets aim to reduce stunting,
wasting, anemia, and low birth weight while increasing breastfeeding rates. The initiative
encourages countries to implement policies that improve maternal and child nutrition.
2. Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement.
The SUN Movement, launched in 2010, is a global effort to end malnutrition through multi-
sectoral collaboration, including governments, civil society, and the private sector. It promotes
breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and maternal nutrition strategies.
3. The UNICEF Nutrition Strategy 2020-2030.
UNICEF's strategy focuses on ensuring adequate nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life
(from conception to a child's second birthday). It supports interventions like vitamin
supplementation, food fortification, and community nutrition programs.
4. Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).
GAIN works with governments and the private sector to improve food fortification, increase
access to nutritious foods, and strengthen food systems to benefit mothers and young children.
5. The World Bank’s Multi-Sectoral Approach to Nutrition.
The World Bank funds nutrition-related projects, integrating health, agriculture, water, and
education sectors to address malnutrition holistically.
LOCAL INITIATIVES
1. Kenya’s National Nutrition Action Plan (NNAP) 2018-2022.
The Kenyan government developed the NNAP to combat malnutrition through interventions
such as promoting exclusive breastfeeding, improving maternal dietary intake, and
strengthening healthcare systems for better nutrition services.
2. Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI).
Implemented in many Kenyan hospitals, the BFHI supports mothers in initiating and maintaining
breastfeeding through trained healthcare providers.
3. The Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) Program.
Run by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with development partners like UNICEF and
WHO, this program promotes breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and maternal nutrition
education.
4. The Fortification of Staple Foods.
The Kenyan government mandates fortification of staple foods such as maize flour and oil with
essential nutrients like iron and folic acid to reduce anemia and micronutrient deficiencies.
5. Community Health Volunteer (CHV) Programs.
CHVs play a vital role in educating pregnant and lactating mothers about proper nutrition and
hygiene practices at the household level.
CONCLUSION.
Both global and local initiatives play a crucial role in improving MIYCN outcomes. While
international organizations provide guidelines, funding, and technical support, local
governments and NGOs implement practical interventions tailored to community needs.
Strengthening policies, increasing awareness, and investing in nutrition programs are essential
to ensuring the health and well-being of mothers and young children worldwide.
REFERENCES.
1. World Health Organization. (2003). Global strategy for infant and young child feeding. World
Health Organization.
2. World Health Organization. (2014). Global nutrition targets 2025: Policy brief series. World
Health Organization.
3. UNICEF & World Health Organization. (2018). Implementation guidance: Protecting,
promoting and supporting breastfeeding in facilities providing maternity and newborn services
– The revised Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI). UNICEF.
4. Ministry of Health Kenya. (2018). National nutrition action plan 2018-2022. Government of
Kenya.
5. Scaling Up Nutrition Kenya. (2020). Baby-Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI): Promoting
optimal maternal, infant and young child nutrition in Kenya. Scaling Up Nutrition.
