Challenges in implementing the 2006 World Health Organization HIV and infant feeding recommendations in Zambia
Document type: mthesis
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Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) HIV and infant feeding recommendations have not been effectively implemented in Zambia. OBJECTIVES: To describe the adaption and adoption of WHO HIV and infant feeding recommendations; to explore best practices to improve program implementation; to identify and critically analyse key factors influencing program implementation; to formulate recommendations for Ministry of Health and key actors to optimize infant feeding practices. METHODS: Literature review. RESULTS: While being guided by the conceptual framework, the study has shown that several challenges affected implementation of 2006 WHO HIV and infant feeding recommendations. Poor strategic planning affected program implementation. Legislative instruments were neither ratified nor enacted thus were not supportive of infant feeding program. Polices were not reviewed/revised to enable infant feeding program implementation. Key actors were not involved in the program planning and implementation at all levels. Infant feeding messages were inconsistent and confusing for HIV-infected mothers. Program impact was not measured due to weaknesses in the health information management system. CONCLUSION: The major program implementation challenge in the study was the inappropriateness in infant feeding management and the lack of a national infant feeding coordinator.
Recommendations: MOH should move the infant feeding program to MOH, nutrition unit and deploy a coordinator. The nutritionist Southern province should form multi-stakeholder teams to advocate for review/ revision of polices, ratification and enactment of legislative instruments. All levels should jointly plan and implement the program with the community/key actors.
Authors:
Sikazwe, C.M.S.
Country:
Zambia
Category:
Research
Department:
Development, Policy and Practice
Institute:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
Keywords:
HIV and AIDS
,
maternal and child health
,
nutrition
Language:
eng
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
Organization:
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
PAGE:
x, 50
Place:
Amsterdam
Publisher:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute [etc.]
Year:
2012
Region:
East Africa
Right:
© 2012 Sikazwe
Subject:
Health and Nutrition
Title:
Challenges in implementing the 2006 World Health Organization HIV and infant feeding recommendations in Zambia
Training:
Master in International Health (MIH)