Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation

Goal

The single goal is to significantly ensure highest level of Protection, Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding; optimal IYCF practice and child and maternal nutrition in Bangladesh.

Missions

1. To ensure breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first 6 months (180 days) and continuation of breastfeeding for at least two years;

2. Introduction of appropriate and adequate homemade complementary feeding (CF) after completion of EBF at 6 months;

3. To assist Governments to monitor and execute BMS law and rules;

4. To promote and support maternal and adolescent nutrition through the exchange of skills, knowledge and experience of national and international community;

5. Improve Capacity building through Nutrition and IYCF training;

6. Identify new areas of research to promote breastfeeding and nutrition.

Vision

BBF advances knowledge on IYCF and maternal nutrition (MN) on national and international scale through service, training and research.

Specific Objectives

1. Achieve and sustain universal exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months (180 days) and ensure breastfeeding within      1 hour of birth; 

2. Continuation of breastfeeding at least up to 2 years;

3. Introduction of appropriate and adequate locally available homemade complementary feeding (CF) after the completion of 6 months (180 days);

4. Improve the nutritional status of pregnant women and lactating mother;

5. Improve the nutritional status and cognitive development of children through optimal IYCF practices;

6. Improve the nutritional status of adolescents through promoting dietary diversity, healthy lifestyle and hygiene practice.

Strategies

1. Effectively implement the national IYCF strategies;

2. Work alongside the Government of Bangladesh for effective national, sub-national and international impact to improve IYCF and MN;

3. Integration of IYCF and MN for protection, promotion and support improving health care infrastructure and professional excellence;

4. Effective communication strategies and community participation through Mother Support Group (MSG) to reach all segments of population.

5. Legal framework: BMS Act implementation to protect infant and child health;

6. Development of IYCF through research and development in Bangladesh & Internationally;

7. Develop partnership with WHO, UNICEF, WABA, IBFAN, SAIFARN, ILLCI and Well Start etc.

8. Avoid conflict of Interest.

9. Improve maternity protection in formal and informal sector to ensure proper maternal nutrition and IYCF practices.