Assessment of the composition of breastmilk substitutes, commercial complementary foods, and commercial snack products commonly fed to infant and young children in Lebanon: a call to action
Publication date: 2023
Nutrition for optimum growth and physical development is acquired by adequate infant feeding practices. The data showed that the majority of the products were non-compliant to the regulations and the manufacturers’ nutrition facts labels. The results stated also that the contribution to the daily value for the saturated fatty acids, added sugars, and protein exceeded the daily recommended intake for most infant formulas and baby food products. In conclusions, this requires careful evaluation from policymakers in order to improve the infant and young children feeding practices.
A review of tools for monitoring baby friendly health facilities
Publication date: 2022
This publication highlights the importance of healthcare facilities in promoting breastfeeding through the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI). It outlines key practices, such as early breastfeeding initiation, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and staff training to support mothers. By adopting these steps, facilities can improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
A metanalysis of trends in knowledge and practice of breastfeeding in Egypt: a case study from the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Publication date: 2022
This study aims to assess the impact of promotion efforts of WHO and UNICEF on the trends in knowledge and practice of Egyptian mothers towards exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and practices of the Baby Friendly Hospitals Initiative. This study concludes that (1) trends show support of WHO recommendations of EBF for 6 months; (2) EIBF and STS remain a challenge; and (3) the rights of women in breastfeeding support and protection are far from adequate to meet the rising trends in marketing of milk formula.
Nutrition and lifestyle recommendations for pregnant and breastfeeding women in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: an advocacy guide
Publication date: 2022
The Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health (2016-2030) highlights the importance of investing in the health of pregnant and lactating women for prosperous and sustainable societies.This advocacy guide, tailored for the EMR, mainly targets mothers, mothers-to-be or health care professionals of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Its main purpose is to equip the reader with updated evidence-based information for optimizing nutrition, diet and lifestyle during preconception, pregnancy and lactation in a user-friendly manner.
The impact of covid-19 on physical (in)activity behavior in 10 Arab countries
Publication date: 2022
Mothers are understandably concerned about protecting the well-being of their offspring in every way possible, including providing oral dietary supplements (DSs). This study evaluated the maternal knowledge and attitudes toward DSs and documented the DS-related practices in mothers and their under-5 children with their correlates. In closing, this study shows that oral dietary supplementation among a representative sample of Lebanese mother–under-5 child dyads is common, given that many mothers lack awareness and hold unfavorable views regarding the use of DSs.
Pediatric health risk assessment for exposure to aluminum from infant formulas and children under the age of five’s food products among Arab infants: experience from Lebanon
Publication date: 2022
Chronic dietary aluminum (Al) exposure can have various negative effects on health. This study aims to (1) assess the contamination level of Al in infant formulas and baby food products in the Lebanese market, and (2) evaluate the margin of exposure of Al through the consumption of these foods among children under 5 in Lebanon. This study concludes that the best means of reducing dietary exposure include legislating on the matter, enforcing manufacturers to reduce the amount of Al in infant foods, and improving parents’ knowledge of these risks through training and development.
Correlates of sub-optimal feeding practices among under-5 children amid escalating crises in Lebanon: A national representative cross-sectional study
Publication date: 2022
Sub-optimal feeding practices among under-5 children are the major drivers of malnutrition. This study aims to assess the prevalence of malnutrition and the factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and complementary feeding practices among under 5 children amid the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the economic and the political crises in Lebanon. To conclude, this study demonstrated non-negligible rates of malnutrition, low prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding, and high rates of early introduction of formula feeding and solid foods among Lebanese under 5 children amid escalating crises.
Aflatoxin b1 occurrence in children under the age of five’s food products and aflatoxin m1 exposure assessment and risk characterization of Arab infants through consumption of infant powdered formula: a Lebanese experience
Publication date: 2022
The carcinogenic potency of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) was severely reported. The aims of this study were (1) to survey the contamination level of AFM1 in the most traded infant powdered formula brands along with the AFB1 level in under 5 children's food brands and (2) to assess the estimated daily intake (EDI), the hazard quotient (HQ) and the margin of exposure (MOE) of AFM1 among infants (0–12 months) in Lebanon. The findings show that AFM1’s EDI, HQ and MOE scored high among Lebanese infants.
International textbook of breastfeeding, infant and young child feeding, from evidence to policy and action
Publication date: 2022
The textbook is prepared jointly between four Arab countries: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. It presents and integrates relevant information related to infant and young child feeding. It targets individuals who wish to specialize in the field of lactation management for promoting, supporting and protecting breastfeeding and continued support of infant feeding in the first five years of life. It is intended for use by countries in different regions of the world with a focus on developing countries and countries where breastfeeding is mandatory for saving lives and achieving sustainable development goals.
Review of the nutrition situation in Jordan: Trends and way forward
Publication date: 2022
Jordan is witnessing an escalating pace of nutrition transition, which may be associated with an increased burden of malnutrition and related non-communicable diseases. This review analyzes the nutrition situation in Jordan by exploring specific nutrition indicators, namely infant and young child feeding, low birthweight, micronutrient deficiencies, anthropometric indicators, and food consumption patterns. Results showed that although most children were ever breastfed and early initiation of breastfeeding had a two-fold increasing trend, rates of exclusive breastfeeding below 6 months of age and continued breastfeeding until two years of age were low. Complementary feeding indicators, particularly minimum diet diversity and minimum acceptable diet standards, were suboptimal.
Iraq is moving forward to achieve global targets in nutrition
Publication date: 2022
From the 1990s and after 2003, Iraq suffered many difficulties which affected its population negatively in different ways; from embargo to political instabilities, conflicts, and wars, collectively leading to food insecurity, especially among the internally displaced people. This study aimed to review the nutrition situation for Iraq in relation to the Global Nutrition Targets and Sustainable Development Goals. Findings show a gradual decline in undernutrition indicators for children under five, a decline in the prevalence of anemia among the targeted women, and an increase of low birth weight in newborn infants. Exclusive breastfeeding is still staggering and in need of urgent action.
Young children feeding practices: an update from the Sultanate of Oman
Publication date: 2021
Most countries fail to meet international targets for appropriate complementary and breastfeeding practices. This study assessed feeding practices of children under two years of age and correlated them with family parameters in Oman, a high-income country in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. In conclusion, this study shows that Omani children successfully received early breastfeeding postpartum and consumed iron rich meals. Yet, rates of exclusive breastfeeding rates at six months and minimum acceptable diet for children under two were low. Comprehensive strategies should be placed to assess and influence children feeding practices in Oman.
Effectiveness of community nutrition-specific interventions on improving malnutrition of children under 5 years of age in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Publication date: 2021
Childhood malnutrition remains an important public health and development problem in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to systematically review the community-based nutrition-specific interventions and their effectiveness and/or cost-effectiveness on the nutritional status of children under 5 years of age in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). The study concludes that considering the high prevalence of child malnutrition in a number of countries in the Region, capacity building and investigation regarding the implementation of new approaches to improve nutritional status of children and their effect(s) and cost-effectiveness assessment are highly recommended.
Preschoolers' and mothers dietary practices and compliance with the 24-h movement guidelines: results of Oman's National Nutrition Survey
Publication date: 2021
This study analyzed data of the 2017 Oman National Nutrition Survey to assess the prevalence and interrelationships between dietary and movement variables among preschool children, aged 2–5 years. The findings revealed that the prevalence of overweight/obesity was low among preschool children in Oman. Children had an acceptable compliance with sleeping recommendations, yet limited adherence to media exposure, activity, added sugar and fruits and vegetables guidelines.
Regional disparities in prevalence of obesity among school-aged children in Egypt: a country case study from The Eastern Mediterranean Region
Publication date: 2021
Obesity is a grave problem that is associated with much morbidity in adulthood. The origins of obesity begin early in the childhood years. The aim of this study is to review the literature from the past decade that describes the prevalence of obesity among the school-going children from different regions of Egypt and to discuss some of the underlying factors that lead to the high prevalence of obesity in this age group. This study concludes that obesity in Egypt is rising and is related primarily to high consumption of unhealthy foods. Member states must take active steps to regulate marketing of unhealthy foods to children.
A review of the emerging pandemic of obesity in preschool children in Egypt: Exclusive breastfeeding is protective
Publication date: 2021
For optimum growth and development, early exclusive breastfeeding without foods or formula milk is recommended for the first six months of life. This study aims to review studies in Egypt on nutritional status of preschool children by type of feeding. The study concludes that prolonged formula feeding and unhealthy food intake are risk factors for the emerging and growing problem of obesity. Policies and legislations are needed to encourage exclusive breastfeeding and control marketing of unhealthy foods.
Assessment of micronutrient situation among reproductive-age women (15-49) and under-five children in Sudan
Publication date: 2021
Micronutrient malnutrition is a form of undernutrition that causes diseases, and this is mainly due to insufficient intake of nutrients in daily foods. The aim of this study is to highlight the status of micronutrients among women of reproductive age (15–49 years of age) and their children in Sudan. The study concludes that anaemia showed high prevalence in women of reproductive age and children. Same for iron deficiency; it is considered a crucial problem in women of reproductive age, especially pregnant women and children.
Trend and causes of overweight and obesity among pre-school children in Kuwait
Publication date: 2021
Identifying life risk factors of obesity early will help inform policymakers to design evidence-based interventions. This study aims to assess the trend of overweight and obesity over four years among pre-school Kuwait children, and to examine their association with breakfast skipping, sugary and sweetened beverage consumption and screen time. To conclude, this study underlines the impact of nutrition transition among Kuwait pre-school children. In this study, overweight and obesity prevalence did not decline over time, but there is a tremendous reduction in sugary and sweetened beverages (i.e., soft drinks by two-fold) as well as breakfast skipping over four years.
Satisfaction with code implementation and Baby-friendly practices in the Eastern Mediterranean region: health professional perspectives from 15 countries
Publication date: 2021
The revised “Ten Steps” of the baby-friendly hospital initiative in 2018 require breastfeeding protection through the implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (The Code). The aim of the study was to assess the satisfaction of staff with the implementation of the global criteria of the revised “Ten steps” of the baby-friendly hospital initiative in 15 Eastern Mediterranean Region countries. In conclusion, the implementation of the revised “Ten Steps” of the baby-friendly hospital initiative in the Region, particularly The Code, Step 4 and Step 9 need strengthening through monitoring, using the updated indicators, and competency training modules devised by WHO and UNICEF in 2020.
Enacting the Code by effective national laws influence trends in exclusive breastfeeding: an analytical study from the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Publication date: 2021
The marketing of breast milk substitutes is presumed to be associated with declines in breastfeeding practices. National laws to control the marketing of breast milk substitutes are expected to improve exclusive breastfeeding and continued breastfeeding rates and trends in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. This study aims to highlight the power of the code when implemented in its entirety in national laws for the control of marketing of breast milk substitutes in raising exclusive breastfeeding rates.
Trends in infant feeding in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean region 1995 to 2020: time for action
Publication date: 2020
Indicators for breastfeeding are often used to assess the “Ten Steps” to successful breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months and continued breastfeeding rates are the main indicators. The study aims to examine the trends of the global infant feeding indicators from 1995 to 2020 in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. In conclusion, exclusive breastfeeding and continued breastfeeding assess the community while early initiation of breastfeeding should be used to assess the baby-friendly hospital initiative. The pattern of decline in infant feeding indicators calls for an action plan both at facility and community level.
Mode of delivery as a risk of cardiac dysfunction: implications for birth-friendly practices and successful breastfeeding
Publication date: 2020
Although caesarean section delivery is a lifesaving procedure, it is associated with many short- and long-term side-effects to the mother and child. The authors aim to study echocardiographic right ventricular functional changes during infancy related to mode of delivery. In conclusion, caesarean section delivery and artificial feeding may increase risk of right sided diastolic dysfunction. Birth-friendly practices that encourage natural birth and successful initiation of breastfeeding can protect infants from the adverse effects of caesarean section delivery.
A study of the patterns of pre-feeding responses in newborns in relation to child development
Publication date: 2020
Neonatal pre-feeding responses that appear in newborns before the first feed play an important role in their development. The study aims to examine the patterns and factors associated with neonatal pre-feeding responses in relation to delivery practices, breastfeeding practices and later development. In conclusion, neonatal pre-feeding responses should be regarded as a developmental milestone which is linked to responsive feeding and should be encouraged as it can promote responsive parenting.
Breastfeeding impressions by Arab artists
Publication date: 2020
Motherhood is central to womanhood and something that has been expressed by different cultures worldwide. Art can be expressed in sculpture, paintings, theatrical performances, soap operas, media and films. In this context the authors aim to examine how the Middle Eastern or Arab culture portrayed the act of motherhood. The authors present case studies from countries and hope to reach an understanding of the current situation, needs and missed aspects related to the art of motherhood in these cultures.
Expanding on baby-friendly practices in the community to reinforce continued exclusive breastfeeding in caesarean deliveries
Publication date: 2020
Step 4 of the Ten Steps of the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative involves immediate skin-to-skin contact for early breastfeeding initiation. Caesarean section delivery can interfere with exclusive breastfeeding. The authors aim to study the effect of an intervention involving daily skin-to-skin care, as an expansion of Step 4, to improve exclusive breastfeeding in the first weeks of life in caesarean section delivery. In conclusion, continuing daily skin-to-skin care in the first weeks of life can boost exclusive breastfeeding. This also improved maternal mental health and child development particularly in caesarean section delivery.
Integration of curative and preventive services for strengthening nutritional outcome of infants and young children
Publication date: 2020
Child survival is influenced by prenatal care, prenatal management, maternal age, maternal nutrition and the process of childbirth. This study aims to identify means for strengthening primary health care services and to answer the question of whether integration of preventive and curative services can strengthen one another and how this can impact nutritional status of children. Based on the results, integration of preventive and curative services can strengthen primary health care and should start from pregnancy. Immunization services represent opportunities for counselling in nutrition and early signs of sickness in the child for preventing delay in management and thereby improving nutritional status of children.
Early breastfeeding practices promote effective parenting: an analytical study in countries exposed to conflict in the Middle East
Publication date: 2020
Breastfeeding is nurture and nutrition for every child, but the extent to which it influences parenting is controversial. This study aims to examine the effect of early breastfeeding practices in relation to child discipline and childcare. Findings show that breastfeeding is protective against violent parenting styles and enhances adequacy of childcare. Additionally, exposure to operative delivery with anesthesia may interfere with early initiation of breastfeeding and negatively influence parenting.
Nourishing care for early child development in the Eastern Mediterranean Region through early child nutrition: case studies from six countries
Publication date: 2020
An optimum brain development requires a stimulating environment, adequate nutrients and social interaction but is challenged by poverty and illiteracy. This study aims to assess the status of early child education and child development in relation to early feeding practices. Findings show that early breastfeeding practices reinforce early child education which promotes early child development. The study concludes that promoting early and continued breastfeeding is necessary for achieving nurturing care framework in developing countries.
Passive smoking is associated with risk of early onset of cardiac dysfunction
Publication date: 2020
Secondhand smoke exposes infants and young children to many short- and long-term hazards. In adults, passive smoking was found to result in left sided diastolic dysfunction. This study aims to identify changes in the structure and function of the right side of the heart that can be influenced by exposure of infants to secondhand smoke. Formula milk fed infants are at risk of right sided diastolic dysfunction while early breastfeeding seems to protect the heart from the hazards of secondhand smoke.
Overweight increases the risk of right ventricular dysfunction in the non-breastfed infants
Publication date: 2020
Overweight in infancy could increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus in later life, however the mechanisms need to be investigated. This study aims to assess the relationship between overweight and right ventricular function during infancy in relation to the mode of feeding. Overweight in milk formula fed infants increases right sided cardiac dimensions but in breastfed infants the functional component of the right ventricular functions is increased.
Food consumption patterns and nutrient intakes of children and adolescents in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: a call for policy action
Publication date: 2020
The Eastern Mediterranean Region has witnessed significant social and economic changes that may have influenced the diet of children and adolescents, and increased the risk for obesity and malnutrition in this age group. This review aims to characterize and assess food consumption patterns and nutrient intakes amongst school-aged children (5–10 years) and adolescents (10–19 years) in countries of the Region. Acknowledging the impact that nutrition may have on building societies and transforming the lives of children, adolescents and their families, there is a crucial need for a food system approach in developing and implementing national and regional policies and interventions aimed at improving the diet of children and adolescents.
Echocardiography of the right ventricle in infancy: do early feeding practices make a difference?
Publication date: 2020
It is important to understand the role of various feeding practices during infancy on the development of the cardiac structures, to intervene early with the prevention of cardiovascular disease. The aim of the study was to compare the structures and functions of the right side of the heart in exclusively breastfed and formula-fed babies in the first year of life. Exclusive breastfeeding in infancy supports higher performance of the right side of the heart in infancy. The results from this study suggest that early developmental changes in the right side of the heart can be influenced by the feeding patterns in infancy.
Continuous skin-to-skin care assists breastfeeding mothers to adapt to sleep
Publication date: 2020
Mothers suffer disturbed sleep caused by the nocturnal patterns of breastfeeding. Skin-to-skin care between mothers and babies has known comforting effects on mother and baby. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of daily practice of skin-to-skin care in the first weeks after delivery in assisting mothers to adapt to the sleep patterns of her baby. Daily skin-to-skin care in the early weeks can support adaptation of mother to her infant’s night feeds, promotes child growth and development and maternal well-being.
The effect of caesarean delivery on child survival and early breastfeeding practices: Global data from 103 provinces in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Publication date: 2020
The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between cesarean section and early initiation of breastfeeding with child mortality. Data was recruited from recent demographic health surveys for 129 provinces of seven countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Data for early initiation of breastfeeding was available in 103 provinces. All data was analyzed for caesarean section in relation to early initiation of breastfeeding in first hour and first day, feeding prelacteals, delivery by skilled birth attendant, neonatal mortality, infant mortality and under-five mortality rates. The economic cost of unnecessary caesarean section was analyzed.
Breastfeeding promotion in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Publication date: 2019
This publication consists of eight articles of which the first six address the status of breastfeeding in different parts of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The last two articles discuss the social determinants that influence infant feeding practices and the status of breastfeeding promotion in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Arabic summaries for the articles are provided in the end of each article.
A snapshot of infant feeding and nutritional status of infants and young children at governorate level in Egypt
Publication date: 2019
This article presents estimates for different indicators related to infant and young child nutrition in Egypt. The addressed indicators are breastfeeding initiation, breastfeeding continuation, anaemia in children under five-years of age and Vitamin A and iron intakes in children under-five years of age. It was noticed that nutritional status of children in Egypt differs from one region to another. The discrepancy reflects different styles of feeding according to food availability, socioeconomic and cultural factors. Action is needed through plans, policies and awareness campaigns to reverse such trends, focusing on priorities and success stories.
Education and poverty: a paradigm of inequity and disempowerment to breastfeeding women
Publication date: 2019
Maternal education has been shown to be strongly associated with nutrition outcomes during infancy and early childhood. The aim of the study is to examine how education of mothers influences their breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices in the first two years of life in 25 countries by level of income. The study concludes that empowerment of breastfeeding women by education whilst supporting them to breastfeed in their study and workplaces by enacting more effective and supportive maternity laws is required to ensure that their dual role in the economy is achieved.
How breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices affect nutritional status of young children in Egypt
Publication date: 2019
Adequate complementary feeding practices are important for ensuring optimal nutritional status of children under-five. This study aims to present the status and determinants of poor nutritional status of infants and young children in relation to breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices. According to this study, partial breastfeeding or any breastfeeding is protective against obesity and overweight. Mother’s level of education exhibits a paradoxical effect whereby higher education is associated with suboptimal breastfeeding practices despite adequate complementary feeding practices.
Conflict, nutritional status and patterns of young child feeding
Publication date: 2019
Malnutrition in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region impedes their development This article aims to study patterns of complementary feeding and continued breastfeeding on nutritional status and deaths from micronutrient deficiencies in countries of the Region. Findings show that in the poor, inadequate food diversity and suboptimal breastfeeding practices in the second year of life influence nutritional status of children under-five of age and cascade nutritional deficiencies.
Infant feeding and cardiovascular disease: a multi-staged analysis from global to country data
Publication date: 2019
Death from cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally and in particular in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. This study examines the relationship between early infant feeding practices as risk factors of death from cardiovascular disease with a focus on high blood pressure in the 22 countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. As a conclusion, optimal infant feeding practices contribute directly and indirectly to reducing deaths from cardiovascular disease.
Feeding and risk to diabetes mellitus in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Publication date: 2019
The aim of this review study was to identify risk factors linked to nutritional indices associated with diabetes mellitus in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Regional data was used from the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional framework for health information systems and core indicators for monitoring health situation and health system performance for 2015 and 2017 for the 22 countries of the EMR region and NCD WHO Global data bank for NCDs. It was concluded that early discontinuation of breastfeeding may be an underlying factor for risk factors for noncommunicable diseases and diabetes mellitus.
In-depth analysis of mortality in relation to malnutrition in children under-five of age in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Publication date: 2018
The study aims to analyze regional mortality rates in relation to socio-demographic, nutritional indices and early feeding practices in children under five in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The study shows that suboptimal early feeding practices leading to the double burden of malnutrition influence the under-five mortality rates in children. .
Communication strategies for strengthening breastfeeding promotion in countries in conflict
Publication date: 2018
Countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region are facing both political and economic challenges, which lead to health and nutritional problems. The aim of this article is to identify current status and future strategies for strengthening promotion of breastfeeding in the conflict countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The study concludes that government and support agencies need to invest in use of social media and audio-visual aids and expand in use of supportive and protective messages for breastfeeding promotion, whilst supporting and protecting mothers through communication strategies targeting family members and policy-makers.
Assessment of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative implementation in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Publication date: 2018
This paper discusses the status and challenges to Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) implementation in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Data on BFHI implementation, breastfeeding practices, and nutritional status were collected from countries through structured questionnaires, personal interviews, and databases. BFHI was not implemented in 22.7% of the countries. Countries with advanced nutrition transition had the highest implementation of BFHI but the lowest breastfeeding continuity rates. Poor nutritional status and emergency states were linked with low BFHI implementation and low exclusive breastfeeding rates but high continuity rates. Early initiation and longer duration of breastfeeding correlated negatively with overweight and obesity (p < 0.001).
Implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Publication date: 2018
Recognizing that optimal breastfeeding practices and appropriate complementary feeding improve child health, survival and development, this review assessed the implementation of The International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes in the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Assessment was conducted by the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean using a WHO standard questionnaire. The review revealed that most countries need to revisit and amend existing national legislations to implement fully the Code and relevant World Health Assembly resolutions, supported by systematic monitoring and reporting.
Malnutrition, mortality and breastfeeding practices in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: A review of the current status
Publication date: 2018
The aim of the study was to analyze regional data of malnutrition, mortality and breastfeeding practices in mothers and children under five years in coutries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Data from regional surveys of WHO and UNICEF for nutritional status and mortality rates countries were analyzed. Based on this study, suboptimal early feeding practices, low exclusive breastfeeding rate and declines in breastfeeding duration impact child growth and survival and are associated with high stunting, wasting, overweight and mortality in children under five years.
Nutritional anaemia and obesity in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: The protective role of breastfeeding for two years
Publication date: 2018
The aim of this study is to examine trends and relationships of nutritional anaemia in women and children under-five years of age with obesity and breastfeeding practices in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Data from regional database banks of WHO and UNICEF for anaemia in pregnant and non-pregnant women and children under-five years of age were used. As a conclusion, completing optimal breastfeeding for two years should be promoted to protect women and children under-five years of age from anaemia and obesity. Nutritional anaemia during pregnancy increases regional rates of low birth weight, stunting and mortality.
The urgent need to fully implement the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and relevant WHA resolutions
Publication date: 2014
This policy statement was published in 2014 aiming to urge Member States to implement in its entirety the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes and subsequent relevant World Health Assembly resolutions by developing, enacting and enforcing a national law, regulations or other appropriate measures covering all provisions in the Code, and scaling up efforts to monitor and enforce its implementation.