Improving breastfeeding practices on a broad scale at the community level: success stories from Africa and Latin America

Type Journal Article - Journal of human lactation
Title Improving breastfeeding practices on a broad scale at the community level: success stories from Africa and Latin America
Author(s)
Volume 21
Issue 3
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2005
Page numbers 345
URL http://www.unscn.org/layout/modules/conferences/files/Quinn_article_from_JHL_FINAL.pdf
Abstract
Large-scale community-level behavior change programs designed to improve breastfeeding practices were implemented in Bolivia, Ghana, and Madagascar. These programs reached sizable populations: Bolivia, 1 million; Ghana, 3.5 million; and Madagascar, 6 million. Over 3 to 4 years, timely initiation of breastfeeding (within 1 hour of birth) increased from 56% to 74% (P < .001) in Bolivia, 32% to 40% (P < .05) in Ghana, and 34% to 78% (P < .001) in Madagascar. Marked increases in exclusive breastfeeding of infants 0 to 6 months of age were also documented: from 54% to 65% (P < .001) in Bolivia, 68% to 79% (P < .001) in Ghana, and 46% to 68% (P < .001) in Madagascar. In Ghana and Madagascar, significant results were seen within 1 year of community interventions. The authors conclude that large-scale programs designed to improve breastfeeding practices are feasible and should be a central component of any child survival strategy. J Hum Lact. 21(3):345-354

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