Project Details
Description
Breastfeeding is recommended by international public health bodies. When breast-milk feeding is not possible, safely using an appropriate infant formula is an alternative. During emergencies, appropriate and timely support for infant and young child feeding saves lives and supports child nutrition and health, benefiting mothers and families (World Health Organization, 71st World Health Assembly). The WHO urged member states to create preparedness plans for infant and young child feeding during emergencies (IYCF-E), but the island of Ireland did not have such plans.
Research conducted during the first lockdown in the Republic of Ireland and the UK highlighted challenges faced by families with infant feeding during the Coronavirus crisis. Developing an IYCF-E preparedness plan would have mitigated these challenges and reduced stress on families during emergencies.
An IYCF-E plan would also address several Sustainable Development Goals, including No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Wellbeing, Gender Equality, and Reduced Inequalities.
The research investigated the requirements for an IYCF-E preparedness plan appropriate for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Recognizing that similar emergencies might affect both countries due to their geographical proximity, a cross-border plan was deemed sensible. The team worked with experts in nutrition, public health, law, climate change, and policy in both regions to:
- Map available professional and lay support for IYCF in Ireland and conduct needs assessment research to understand training requirements for professionals
- Review current laws and policies to identify gaps and see how an IYCF-E preparedness plan could be integrated
- Outline the types of emergencies affecting the island
- Develop a draft IYCF-E preparedness plan for the island of Ireland.
Research conducted during the first lockdown in the Republic of Ireland and the UK highlighted challenges faced by families with infant feeding during the Coronavirus crisis. Developing an IYCF-E preparedness plan would have mitigated these challenges and reduced stress on families during emergencies.
An IYCF-E plan would also address several Sustainable Development Goals, including No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Wellbeing, Gender Equality, and Reduced Inequalities.
The research investigated the requirements for an IYCF-E preparedness plan appropriate for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Recognizing that similar emergencies might affect both countries due to their geographical proximity, a cross-border plan was deemed sensible. The team worked with experts in nutrition, public health, law, climate change, and policy in both regions to:
- Map available professional and lay support for IYCF in Ireland and conduct needs assessment research to understand training requirements for professionals
- Review current laws and policies to identify gaps and see how an IYCF-E preparedness plan could be integrated
- Outline the types of emergencies affecting the island
- Develop a draft IYCF-E preparedness plan for the island of Ireland.
| Status | Finished |
|---|---|
| Effective start/end date | 1/01/22 → 31/12/24 |
Fingerprint
Explore the research topics touched on by this project. These labels are generated based on the underlying awards/grants. Together they form a unique fingerprint.