"Stronger with Breastmilk Only" Initiative in 5 African Countries: Case Study on the Implementation Process and Contribution to the Enabling Environment for Breastfeeding.

Background: The practice of giving water before 6 mo of age is the biggest barrier to exclusive breastfeeding in West and Central Africa. To address this challenge, a regional initiative, "Stronger with Breastmilk Only" (SWBO), was rolled out at country level in several countries of the region.

Objective: We examined the implementation process of the SWBO initiative and the contribution of its advocacy component to a more supportive environment for breastfeeding policies and programs.

Intensified Nutrition Interventions in Antenatal Care Services Increased Consumption of Iron and Folic Acid Supplements and Early Breastfeeding Practices in Burkina Faso: Results of a Cluster-Randomized Program Evaluation.

Background: Alive & Thrive supported the Government of Burkina Faso to strengthen the provision of iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation and interpersonal counseling on maternal nutrition and breastfeeding through antenatal care (ANC) services and community-based contacts in 2 regions.

Objectives: We assessed the impacts of intensified nutrition interventions during ANC compared with standard ANC services on intervention coverage and maternal nutrition practices.

Methods: A cluster-randomized evaluation compared 40 health center catchment areas in intervention areas with 40 in control areas.

Multiple modifiable maternal, household and health service factors are associated with maternal nutrition and early breastfeeding practices in Burkina Faso.

Low coverage of effective nutrition interventions in many high-burden countries, due to service provision and demand factors, result in poor uptake of recommended practices and nutrition outcomes. We examined the factors that influence maternal nutrition and early breastfeeding practices and determined the extent that the key factors could improve these practices in two regions in Burkina Faso. We used household survey data among pregnant (n = 920) and recently delivered women (n = 1840).

Old Tricks, New Opportunities: How Companies Violate the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes and Undermine Maternal and Child Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Breastfeeding is critical to maternal and child health and survival, and the benefits persist until later in life. Inappropriate marketing of breastmilk substitutes (BMS), feeding bottles, and teats threatens the enabling environment of breastfeeding, and exacerbates child mortality, morbidity, and malnutrition, especially in the context of COVID-19. These tactics also violate the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes.

High-risk sexual behavior at social venues in Madagascar.

Background: Persistent high levels of sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Madagascar indicate current prevention strategies are inadequate. STI/HIV prevention based in social venues may play an important role in reaching individuals at risk of infection. We identified venues where people meet sexual partners and measured the need and potential for venue-based prevention.