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Optimal Infant and Young Child Nutrition
High-quality nutrition during the early years is fundamental for a child's healthy development, setting them up with a strong foundation to thrive. Yet, globally, around 149 million children under five are suffering from stunted growth due to malnutrition; about 45.4 million of these children are considered too thin relative to their height 1 UNCEFWHOWorld Bank Group Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates.
The challenge in providing optimal infant and young child nutrition is multifaceted. It necessitates that caregivers have accurate knowledge, information, and resources for making informed decisions about feeding practices that promote the best outcomes for their children. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child's life is highly recommed by the World Health Organization WHO, after which complementary foods can be introduced in consultation with healthcare professionals.
An essential solution to ensuring healthy growth involves promoting exclusive breastfeeding, as well as introducing safe and nutritious food when breast milk alone may not meet the nutritional needs. Infant formula formulations serve as an acknowledged alternative for those who cannot or choose not to breastfeed.
The industry stands prepared to share insights, knowledge, expertise, and resources with stakeholders to identify nutritional issues and contribute to relevant policy frameworks med at ensuring optimal nutrition for infants and young children.
The significance lies in this: when children are healthy, families flourish. This underscores the importance of our industry's commitment towards delivering products that meet essential nutrients for growth and development during early childhood stages.
APIYCNA members are dedicated to promoting knowledge about infant and young child nutrition so parents can make informed choices with professional healthcare advice as their guide.
We firmly believe every infant and young child deserves high-quality, nutritious food to have the best start in life.
In response, we seek to collaborate with all stakeholders for shared efforts in addressing nutritional issues, shaping policy frameworks that improve health systems, and ultimately ensuring universal access to proven nutrition interventions worldwide.
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Exclusive Breastfeeding Importance Optimal Infant Nutrition Strategies Complementary Foods Introduction Formula Feeding Alternatives Early Childhood Growth Essentials Healthy Child Development Commitment