Focus group discussions with mothers, fathers and grandmothers of young children across three time points in areas where an IYCF social and behaviour change intervention was implemented in Nigeria explored differences by participant type and shifts over time in attitudes, beliefs and social norms related to breastfeeding and dietary diversity (DD). Overall, across time points, researchers found more discrepancies in attitudes, beliefs and social norms for early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among different participant types than for DD.

Alive & Thrive shared results from its maternal nutrition research during a thematic session and two scientific presentations at the International Maternal and Newborn Health Conference, May 8-11, in Cape Town, South Africa.

This short video, intended for advocates and policy makers, introduces the Mothers' Milk Tool, which makes it possible to calculate the economic impact of breastfeeding on society. Women's production of mothers' milk is a crucial contributor to the global economy, yet it has never been systematically considered for all countries. Alive & Thrive worked with the Australian National University to develop the online version of the Mothers' Milk Tool. 

In India, more than 60% of the healthcare infrastructure is private. Half of all births in urban areas and a quarter of all births in rural areas take place in private facilities. With the right support, private hospitals and clinics can play a critical role in delivering essential maternal, infant and young child nutrition (MIYCN) services through their standard care for women and children.

Adolescent nutrition interventions integrated into school-based programs  in the SNNP and Somali regions of Ethiopia led to significant improvements in dietary practices of girls, according to implementation research results presented during a recent Alive & Thrive global webinar.

About a year ago, Bharat Bhai, 47, decided to run for election in Baran Village, a small village of about 1,200 residents in the Bharuch District of Gujarat State, situated on the west coast of India.