This report describes the methodology, key findings, and recommended actions behind our research that intended to identify opportunities to increase support for stronger infant and young child feeding policies and improved policy and program implementation in the state of Bihar, India.

This brief summarizes the challenges of and consequences associated with stunting, as well as actions that policy makers and program leaders can take to curb stunting in Bihar, India.

Discusses the negative effects of stunting on survival, childhood and adult health, learning capacity, and productivity; outlines interventions to prevent stunting.

Reviews available evidence on whether infection diminishes the positive impact of nutrition interventions on child growth and whether improved nutrition limits the negative impact of infections on child growth.

Reviews evidence of the effect of undernutrition from conception through the first two years of life on brain development and on the short-term and long-term development of cognitive, motor, and socio-emotional skills.

Discusses why intake of essential fats in the last trimester of pregnancy and the first 2 years after birth is critical for development of the brain and nervous system and presents strategies for improving fatty acid status.