The first 1000 days of life starting from the start of pregnancy to the child’s second birthday are important
for optimal growth, health and development. Therefore, thus is a crucial period for effective infant and
young child feeding interventions. Poor feeding practices in infancy and early childhood, resulting in
malnutrition, contribute significantly to morbidity delayed mental and motor development, poor school
performance and reduced productivity in later life.
Tanzania is working hard to improve the survival, growth, development and welfare of children by taking
responsible measures and implementing intervention strategies which seek to improve their health and
wellbeing. There has been notable progress in child survival. Child health and wellbeing is a high priority
on the development agenda as reflected in both national and international strategies such as the National
Growth Strategy of Poverty Alleviation (MKUKUTA), Millennium Development Goals, Nutrition Policy and
National Nutrition Strategy, The Convention on the Rights of a Child and The Law of the Child Act.
The development of the National Guidelines on Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) is based on the
international instruments, global recommendations and guidelines, and national policies and strategies
related to IYCF. The guideline, which summarizes the recommendations for feeding of infants and
young children at different ages, is especially meant for service providers in maternal and child health,
including health service providers and their supervisor, working in Government and non-Governmental
organizations and engaged directly or indirectly in care of infant and young children in health facility and
the communities.
The main goal of the National Guideline is to improve the nutritional status, growth and development,
health and survival of infants and young children through optimal feeding practices. The guidelines are
intended to be used as an operational tool for the Health Care Provided at different levels.
get the guideline document by clicking the link below
✦ infant and young child feeding guideline.PDF
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