With support from the Government of Ireland, Alive & Thrive is working to tackle malnutrition and reach global nutrition targets in the Mekong Sub-Region with a priority on the furthest behind in each context.

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.

Evidence is mounting that the ultra-processed food industry seeks to influence food and nutrition policies in ways that support market growth and protect against regulatory threats, often at the expense of public health.

Despite proven benefits, less than half of infants and young children globally are breastfed in accordance with the recommendations of WHO.

This Series paper examines how mother and baby attributes at the individual level interact with breastfeeding determinants at other levels, how these interactions drive breastfeeding outcomes, and what policies and interventions are necessary to achieve optimal breastfeeding.