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.

These briefs describe the status of nutrition, causes of undernutrition, and platforms to address nutrition in 11 regions across Ethiopia.

This information card highlights data from an A&T project with Concern Worldwide that was implemented in 12 woredas between 2014 and 2016.

Ethiopia has made remarkable progress in decreasing child mortality and reducing the prevalence of stunting in the last decade. Between 2000 and 2016, the prevalence of stunting declined from 58 percent to 38 percent.