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.

To further improvements in the health and well-being of Nigeria’s children, A&T, the Government of Nigeria, and communication partner McCann, launched an infant and young child feeding (IYCF) multimedia campaign in Kaduna and Lagos States.

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

Despite recent improvements in maternal and child health, death rates for children under 5 remain high. Efforts must be made to attain the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals for health and hunger.

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.