Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation
Room # 197-200, Institute of Public Health (IPH), Mohakhali, Dhaka-1213, Bangladesh
Major Achievements of Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation
1. National and International Recognition
National and International Recognition
• Represented Bangladesh in signing the Innocenti Declaration (1990), emphasizing global breastfeeding promotion and legislation.
• Led Bangladesh to secure the 1st position globally in WBTi implementation among 97 countries in 2020.
2. Policy and Legislation
Policy and Legislation
• Played a pivotal role in drafting the Breast-Milk Substitutes (BMS) Act, 2013, and Rules, 2017 in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Contributed to the development of national policies on breastfeeding, IYCF, maternal nutrition, and adolescent nutrition.
• Advocated for and supported the introduction of six months of paid maternity leave in Bangladesh.
3. Program Implementation
Program Implementation
• Played a pivotal role in drafting the Breast-Milk Substitutes (BMS) Act, 2013, and Rules, 2017 in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Contributed to the development of national policies on breastfeeding, IYCF, maternal nutrition, and adolescent nutrition.
• Advocated for and supported the introduction of six months of paid maternity leave in Bangladesh.
4. Research and Development
Research and Development
• Conducted 67 research studies on maternal and child nutrition, breastfeeding, and complementary feeding, many published in international journals.
• Developed a guideline and recipe book with 35 nutritious recipes for children aged 6-23 months, inaugurated by the Prime Minister in 2014..
5. Advocacy and Awareness
Advocacy and Awareness
• Organized the first World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) in Bangladesh in 1992 and continues to lead national WBW celebrations.
• Advocated for breastfeeding-friendly workplaces and daycare centers across the country.
• Raised awareness on the importance of breastfeeding and complementary feeding through campaigns and training.
6. Capacity Building
Capacity Building
• Trained large NGOs in Bangladesh thousands of healthcare providers on breastfeeding, IYCF, maternal nutrition, and adolescent nutrition.
• Built capacity for monitoring and enforcing the BMS Code through a nationwide monitoring system.
7. Regional Leadership
Regional Leadership
• Serves as the Secretariate of South Asia Coordinator for IBFAN since 2022, with Professor Dr. S.K. Roy as Regional Coordinator.
• Supported South Asian countries in strengthening breastfeeding promotion and implementing the BMS Code.
8. Monitoring and Evaluation
Monitoring and Evaluation
• Established the first BMS Act monitoring system in Bangladesh in collaboration with UNICEF and the Public Health Nutrition Institute.
• Conducted 12 nationwide surveillance studies on breastfeeding practices and maternal nutrition, shaping national strategies
9. Nutrition Program Innovations
Nutrition Program Innovations
• Implemented innovative programs under the Bangladesh Integrated Nutrition Program (BINP) and National Nutrition Program (NNP).
• Promoted home-based complementary feeding and sustainable management of malnutrition through community engagement.
10. Organizational Strength
Organizational Strength
• Officially registered as an NGO under the Joint Stock Company in 1995 and with the NGO Bureau in 2006.
• Operates countrywide offices in seven divisions, ensuring a nationwide presence.
11. Global Advocacy
Global Advocacy
• Regularly participates in World Health Assembly (WHA) and Codex Alimentarius Commission meetings to advocate for breastfeeding and improved nutrition policies.
• Provides scientific insights on maternal and child nutrition to influence global health resolutions.
12. Community Impact
Organizational Strength
• Educated and empowered mothers and caregivers on breastfeeding and nutrition through workshops, counseling, and training.
• Supported the improvement of maternal and child health in vulnerable communities across Bangladesh.