This program brief is targeted towards state/sub-state level decision makers and program managers, and outlines a set of recommendations for scaling up IYCF-Counselling Centres at the state/sub-state level.

Alive & Thrive conducted formative research to better understand the nutrition practices in Uttar Pradesh. We found that mothers can and will improve behaviors related to infant and young children nutrition when provided with social support and timely counseling.

Alive & Thrive conducted formative research to better understand the nutrition practices in Bihar. We learned that mothers are willing and able to eat more meals and more locally available food groups during pregnancy. Read our formative research brief to learn about other findings.

Multisectoral actions improve nutritional outcomes in several ways. They can address the immediate causes of undernutrition by improving dietary intake, and they can also address underlying causes like improved sanitation, hygiene, and women’s education.

The following materials were used in training JEEViKA Health and Nutrition Managers and Social Development Mangers in Bihar, India.

Recent scientific evidence has shown that breastfeeding is critical to a child’s health and development. Yet, in 2012, the global rate of exclusive breastfeeding (consuming nothing but breastmilk) in the first 6 months of life was only 37%.