Accelerating progress for complementary feeding in Kenya: Key government actions and the way forward.

Optimal complementary feeding practices, a critical component of infant and young child feeding, has been demonstrated to prevent micronutrient deficiencies, stunting, overweight, and obesity. In Kenya, while impressive gains have been made in exclusive breastfeeding, progress in complementary feeding has been slow, and the country has failed to meet targets. Recent 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey reveal that only 22% of Kenyan children, 6-23 months, met criteria for a minimum acceptable diet.

Baby-Friendly Community Initiative-From national guidelines to implementation: A multisectoral platform for improving infant and young child feeding practices and integrated health services.

The Baby-Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI) is an extension of the 10th step of the Ten Steps of Successful Breastfeeding and the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) and provides continued breastfeeding support to communities upon facility discharge after birth. BFCI creates a comprehensive support system at the community level through the establishment of mother-to-mother and community support groups to improve breastfeeding. The Government of Kenya has prioritized community-based programming in the country, including the development of the first national BFCI guidelines, which inform national and subnational level implementation.