Authors : Sonali Patnaik
DOI : 10.18231/j.ijirm.2020.025
Volume : 1
Issue : 3
Year : 2020
Page No : 43-50
The objective of this paper is to explore the status of breastfeeding in India and the impact of COVID-19 on breastfeeding practices, as well as, the way forward. The Global Nutrition Report (2020) has indicated a world of inequality and poor nutrition status across the globe. India has been identified as one of the countries that would not achieve the World Health Assembly (WHA) Goals by 2025 and would also miss the bus to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals relating to nutrition by 2030. India needs to think of innovative ways of improving breastfeeding practices as breast milk is ideal for infant survival and optimal growth. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) IV data indicates that, improved breastfeeding practices have lower stunting rates. New strategies need to be planned by categorizing States as High, Medium and Low Risk based on this data. COVID-19 disease has turned into a pandemic and is impacting breastfeeding practices and stunting. This has been explored based on available data, literature, and current stakeholder consultations from the field. Frontline workers, Elected Representatives and Civil Society Organisation can play an important role in addressing COVID-19 related indirect impacts on nutrition especially promoting breastfeeding practices and reduction in stunting. Frontline workers are now over stretched and diverted from their roles to rapid response for COVID-19 containment. The lockdown, social and physical distancing norms, and additional role in COVID-19 containment has an impact on the key tasks they are given in connection with breastfeeding practices. Exclusive breastfeeding is a preventive to many diseases and builds immunity. States should be divided into low, medium and high risk based on stunting data and breastfeeding practices improved accordingly, with requisite strategies depending on the level of risks. Undernutrition to be considered as a risk. Advocacy around limiting use of breast milk substitutes and manufactured baby food needs to be accelerated. It is time for nutrition to be completely integrated into health planning in India.
Keywords: Breastfeeding, Stunting, COVID-19, Undernutrition, Frontline Workers.