Practice and Interventions of Infant and Young Child Feeding, Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of sub-Saharan African countries, where infant mortality rate is 69 deaths per 1000 live births and under-five mortality rate is 109 deaths per 1,000 live births. In Ethiopia, children die from six preventable diseases and 57% of these problems are related to malnutrition directly or indirectly. Despite the prevailing condition of food insecurity, inappropriate infant and young child feeding practice is also main contributor to malnutrition in the country. Where 18% of annual deaths of infant are attributable to breast feeding and malnourished due to inappropriate complementary feeding. Adequate and appropriate feeding is important for child health and development. The period from birth to the age of two years is particularly important for children, because of the rapid growth and brain development. Inappropriate feeding practices during this period has long-term detrimental effects on health status for children as it affects growth, health and development resulting in growth retardation, micro nutritional deficiencies and increased risks for common childhood illnesses.