Background
In emergency contexts, the risks of malnutrition, illness and death are increased in children under two years who are not breastfed and/or are artificially fed, particularly the youngest. Wherever possible, UNHCR operations aim to restore and support optimal breastfeeding practices. Where this is not possible, skilled support is needed to minimise the risks of artificial feeding. The ENN was commissioned by UNHCR to develop Standard Operating Procedures for the handling of Breast Milk Substitutes in refugee situations.
Project summary
The SOP and guidance are designed specifically to support UNHCR staff and staff of UNHCR partners in individual infant feeding assessment, community-level assessment, procurement and targeting of BMS and the management of BMS donations. The project drew on all of the available documents developed in different contexts and created one generic guidance. Interviews were carried out with UNHCR country and regional staff and staff of other agencies in the early stages of the project to inform the development of content.