185184 Does BFHI make a difference? Overview of existing studies of impact on exclusive breastfeeding and later health

Wednesday, October 29, 2008: 11:06 AM

Miriam Labbok, MD, MPH, FACPM, IBCLC, FABM , Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute, Department of Maternal Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
     
Purpose: Global financing for child survival is theoretically based on impact. Nonetheless, the primary intervention for prevention of child deaths - early and exclusive breastfeeding - is vastly underfunded. This paper will explore the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative, its implementation and impact in various countries, and the diminished levels of financial support.

Data: The presentation will include analyses of DHS data, UNICEF data, and review of the literature on BFHI.

Methods: Background will be based on a review of the literature that has presented the impact of a baby-friendly hospital on breastfeeding rates in various settings. In addition, DHS and other available data have been re-analyzed using area graph and line graph presentation to illustrate impact in various countries and globally. Cost information as gleaned from various meetings will also be discussed.

Major results: BFHI has a measurable and reliable impact on rates of exclusive breastfeeding, and data from various countries and globally support its impact. However, financial support for this initiative has diminished. Recommendations and policy implications: Suggestions for raising the profile of this intervention and for increasing support will be discussed. A survey of donor agencies is recommended.

Learning Objectives:
The participant will be able to: Discuss how implementation of BFHI may vary between countries; Understand the innovative nature of this intervention and its impact; Outline the priority of breastfeeding for child survival compared to the priority of breastfeeding among global investments in child survival.

Keywords: Child Health, Financing

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the primary individual working on this issue for UNICEF and now for UNC over the last 7 years. I also helped develop this initiative nearly 20 years ago.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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