Policy and stakeholder analysis of infant and young child feeding programmes in Sri Lanka

BMC Public Health

Research

Shahadat Uddin¹  Prasantha Arumapperuma²  Upul Senarath³  Hiranya S. Jayawickrama⁴  Sanjeeva S. P. Godakandage⁴  Anne Marie Thow⁵  Srisothinathan Nimalan⁶  S. W. A. D. A. Wickramasinghe⁶  Sathyajith Ihalagama⁶  Indika Siriwardena⁷  Ramanathan Archchuna⁸  Claudio Umesh⁸ 

[1] Complex Systems Research Group, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia;Epidemiological Unit, Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, Colombo, Sri Lanka;South Asia Infant Feeding Research Network, Colombo, Sri Lanka;Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka;South Asia Infant Feeding Research Network, Colombo, Sri Lanka;Family Health Bureau, Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, Colombo, Sri Lanka;South Asia Infant Feeding Research Network, Colombo, Sri Lanka;Menzies Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia;Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, Colombo, Sri Lanka;South Asia Infant Feeding Research Network, Colombo, Sri Lanka;Ministry of Technology and Research, Colombo, Sri Lanka;South Asia Infant Feeding Research Network, Colombo, Sri Lanka;South Asia Infant Feeding Research Network, Colombo, Sri Lanka;

关键词: IYCF;    Policy;    Stakeholder analysis;    Net-map;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12889-017-4342-4

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundInfant and young child feeding practices (IYCF) play a critical role in growth and development of children. A favourable environment supported by appropriate policies and positive contributions from all stakeholders are prerequisites for achieving optimal IYCF practices. This study aimed to assess the IYCF-related policy environment and role of stakeholders in policy making in Sri Lanka, in order to identify opportunities to strengthen the policy environment to better support appropriate IYCF and reduce childhood malnutrition.MethodsWe mapped national level policy-related documents on IYCF, and conducted a stakeholder analysis of IYCF policy making. A matrix was designed to capture data from IYCF policy-related documents using a thematic approach. A narrative synthesis of data from different documents was conducted to achieve the first objective. We then conducted an analysis of technical and funding links of stakeholders who shape IYCF policies and programmes in Sri Lanka using the Net-Map technique, to achieve the second objective. A total of 35 respondents were purposively selected based on their knowledge on the topic, and individual interviews were conducted.ResultsTwenty four policies were identified that contained provisions in line with global recommendations for best-practice IYCF, marketing of breast milk substitutes, strengthening health and non-health systems, maternity benefits, inter-sectoral collaboration, capacity building, health education and supplementation. However, there is no separate, written policy on IYCF in Sri Lanka.Participants identified 56 actors involved in shaping IYCF policies and programmes through technical support, and 36 through funding support. The Government Health Sector was the most connected as well as influential, followed by development partners. Almost all actors in the networks were supportive for IYCF policies and programmes.Conclusions and recommendationsAll evidence-based recommendations are covered in related policies. However, advocacy should be targeted towards strategic support for IYCF in high-level policy documents.The stakeholder analysis confirmed a network led by the government health sector. Enhancing the multi-sectoral commitments stressed in policy documents is an opportunity to strengthen IYCF policy process in Sri Lanka.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s). 2017