WBTi Assessment
World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative (WBTi)
Launched in 2004, the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative (WBTi) supports countries in assessing and benchmarking their progress in implementing the Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF). It provides a standardized approach, drawing from the WHO’s national assessment tool for infant and young child feeding policies and programs.
WBTi enables countries to evaluate their strengths and identify gaps across ten key policy and program areas that protect, promote, and support optimal IYCF practices. It also maintains a Global Data Repository of national policies and programs, serving as a valuable resource for tracking global progress.
A unique web-based tool facilitates color-coded scoring for each indicator, simplifying the assessment process. WBTi fosters local action by encouraging collaboration among government departments, UN agencies, health professionals, academics, civil society, and other stakeholders (ensuring no conflicts of interest). This inclusive process helps build consensus and drives coordinated efforts to improve breastfeeding and nutrition practices.
Countries using the WBTi tool produce “report cards” and comprehensive reports that highlight areas for improvement and outline recommendations for policy changes. These reports are instrumental in mobilizing action at the national and local levels.
The WBTi recommends re-assessment every 3-5 years to ensure continuous progress. The Global Secretariat at the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI) manages the initiative and oversees the data repository.
Since the inception of WBTi, Bangladesh has consistently participated in the periodic reviews. The assessments are conducted at the national level with the collaboration of relevant organizations. As IBFAN’s representative in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation (BBF) plays a leading technical role in organizing and facilitating WBTi activities in the country.
WBTi Subsequent assessments were conducted to track progress:
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Bangladesh participated in the first assessment
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The score slightly declined
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Bangladesh's score improved significantly
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The score increased further
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Bangladesh achieved 91.5 out of 100, ranking 1st among 97 countries
BBF’s Role in WBTi Assessment
The Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation (BBF) plays a pivotal role in organizing and facilitating WBTi assessments in Bangladesh. As the IBFAN representative, BBF ensures the successful implementation of WBTi at the national level through the following key activities:
Technical Leadership: BBF leads the data collection, analysis, and reporting process for each assessment.
Stakeholder Coordination: BBF collaborates with government agencies, UN bodies, health professionals, and civil society to conduct comprehensive reviews.
Capacity Building: BBF provides training and guidance on the WBTi process to ensure accurate and inclusive assessments.
Policy Advocacy: Using WBTi findings, BBF advocates for stronger national breastfeeding policies and programs, aligning them with global standards.
Monitoring and Follow-up: BBF supports continuous monitoring of breastfeeding policies and leads the effort to address gaps identified through the WBTi.