As we put together this first edition of the renewed A&T MIYCN Update, well over two million people worldwide have developed COVID-19. The pandemic has affected the lives of billions of people. More than ever, the pandemic makes clear the importance of having strong and effective public health systems and the essential role that frontline workers play in protecting our health.
Yet it also shows the power of behaviors (not just of the individual but collectively across communities and nations) in achieving health outcomes. Social and behavior change has been at the core of A&T’s efforts to support maternal, infant, and young child nutrition since its inception.
Now as always, we must ensure that recommended maternal, infant, and young child nutrition practices continue—especially breastfeeding, which can be at risk during times of illness. All international world health guidelines agree: Breastfeeding should continue and be supported during the COVID-19 epidemic, with appropriate precautions. You can find the specific guidelines at the
WHO
website as well as key messages from the
Global Breastfeeding Collective
.
While we too have had to pause most activities on the ground, A&T's work continues virtually and through our many partnerships around the world. Today, we launch this new quarterly A&T newsletter to share some of that work. We hope you will enjoy and pass it on to your colleagues.
Thank you,
Karin Lapping
Director, Alive & Thrive
