Prevalence of breastfeeding in the public health sector of Argentina according to the National Survey on Breastfeeding of 2017.

Introduction: Breastfeeding reduces the risk for morbidity and mortality in children and also provides environmental and financial advantages. Breastfeeding monitoring is critical for public policies.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of breastfeeding in the population seeking care in the public sector, compare this prevalence to data from 2015, and assess associated outcome measures.

[A critical evaluation of food programs in Argentina].

Argentina has an over 60-year history of food programs which have received few to no evaluations, even considering the highly important epidemiological and social changes that have occurred in the target population. In this article, nationwide State-run food programs with the objective of contributing to the food security of the families in greatest need are reviewed, the nutritional situation of the target population is reassessed, and arguments for analyzing current programs using a typology based in the components of food security are proposed. A general review of the conceptions, content and reach of food programs should be carried out, in order for these programs to cease to act as mere social assistance and instead be transformed in bearers of the right to better food and nutrition.