Development of a workplace breastfeeding support practice model in South Africa.

Background: Globally, mothers have identified work as one of the main obstacles to exclusive and continued breastfeeding. The support a woman receives in her workplace in terms of workplace arrangements can be critical to enable women to continue breastfeeding. This study aimed to develop and assess the face validity of a practice model to support exclusive and continued breastfeeding in workplaces in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Development and Field-Testing of Proposed Food-Based Dietary Guideline Messages and Images amongst Consumers in Tanzania.

In this paper we report on the development and field-testing of proposed food-based dietary guideline (FBDG) messages among Tanzanian consumers. The messages were tested for cultural appropriateness, consumer understanding, acceptability, and feasibility. In addition, comprehension of the messages was assessed using culturally representative images for low literacy audiences.

A qualitative analysis of perceptions of various stakeholders on nutrition-sensitive agricultural interventions, including the taxation on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), to improve overall health and nutrition in South Africa.

Background: As a low-middle income country, South Africa has seen an upsurge in the double burden of malnutrition (DBM). Owing to the rising costs of obesity on healthcare in South Africa, the National Treasury implemented a fiscal policy for the taxation of SSBs, known as the Health Promotion Levy, in line with the WHO recommendation. Potential negative impacts of the policy on the sugar cane industry and economic and rural development have been voiced by different sectors.

Anthropometric Parameters of HIV-Infected and HIV-Uninfected Mothers and their Premature Infants.

This study aimed to assess the maternal anthropometric parameters of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected and HIV-uninfected mothers as well as to assess the neonatal anthropometric parameters of premature infants in relation to maternal anthropometric parameters (weight, height and mid-upper-arm circumference), HIV status and anti-retroviral therapy (ART) regimen. Study participants included HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected mothers who gave birth to premature infants. All HIV-infected mothers received ART.

Differences in Breast Milk Composition of HIV-Infected and HIV-Uninfected Mothers of Premature Infants: Effects of Antiretroviral Therapy.

Introduction: A key strategy to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and to reduce infant morbidity and mortality includes providing the HIV-exposed premature infant with breast milk accompanied by dual anti-retroviral therapy (ART). The effects of HIV and ART on premature breast milk composition are largely unknown. The aim of the study was to assess and compare the breast milk composition of HIV-infected mothers receiving ART and HIV-uninfected mothers who gave birth to premature infants.

Public health nutrition capacity: assuring the quality of workforce preparation for scaling up nutrition programmes.

Objective: To describe why and how capacity-building systems for scaling up nutrition programmes should be constructed in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Design: Position paper with task force recommendations based on literature review and joint experience of global nutrition programmes, public health nutrition (PHN) workforce size, organization, and pre-service and in-service training.

Setting: The review is global but the recommendations are made for LMIC scaling up multisectoral nutrition programmes.

Low intake of calcium and vitamin D, but not zinc, iron or vitamin A, is associated with stunting in 2- to 5-year-old children.

Objectives: This cross-sectional study examined the nutritional factors associated with the high levels of stunting in 2- to 5-y-old children in an impoverished South African setting where liver is frequently eaten and vitamin A deficiency known to be absent.

Methods: Children's dietary intake was assessed by a single 24-h recall. Heights and weights were measured and information was obtained on breast-feeding history, the child's habitual milk intake, as well as substance use by the mother during pregnancy (n = 150).

Liver intake in 24-59-month-old children from an impoverished South African community provides enough vitamin A to meet requirements.

Objective: To assess the contribution of liver to the vitamin A intake of 24-59-month-old children from an impoverished South African community where liver is frequently consumed and vitamin A deficiency previously shown to be absent.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: Northern Cape Province, South Africa.

The rationale for adopting current international breastfeeding guidelines in South Africa.

Current international breastfeeding guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, followed by the appropriate and adequate introduction of complementary foods at 6 months, with continued breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond. This guideline is based on evidence to support exclusive and extended breastfeeding as the optimal method of feeding infants and young children. Not only do these breastfeeding practices meet the nutrition needs of infants and children for optimal growth and development, but they also offer a host of other health and socio-economic benefits at all levels of society.