Human milk bank (HMB) services are an essential component of a breastfeeding-friendly health system. HMB services give at-risk infants, such as those born pre-term or low birthweight, access to the multiple benefits of breastmilk when they need it most.

The first six months of life are critical for child health and development. Breastmilk provides all the nutrients infants need during this period, supporting brain development and reducing the risk of infection and malnutrition.

In preparation for a national advocacy meeting on human milk banking in Myanmar, A&T worked with UNICEF to develop a brief on human milk banking as a component of a breastfeeding-friendly health systems.

In India, from 2015–2020, A&T is providing technical support to accelerate coverage of effective MIYCN interventions at national and state levels.

This technical brief highlights key factors that influence newborn nutritional outcomes and the evidence-based practices that can be applied globally to support optimal infant nutrition within the first 28 days.

Despite a favorable policy environment for maternal, infant, and young child nutrition (MIYCN), frontline delivery of critical MIYCN interventions has been a sustained challenge in India’s public health nutrition programs.