According to Sphere standards, no powdered milk or formula should be distributed as part of general in-kind food assistance. By extension, I would interpret this to also mean that these products should not be provided via commodity vouchers. On the other hand, when using cash transfers for food we obviously have no control over what is purchased. However, there is a grey area in the middle: value vouchers. Should milk and formula be ineligible for purchase when the modality is value vouchers, in an effort to protect breastfeeding?
Thanks Vanessa for the great question. I would like you to refer to the Operational Guidance for Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emrgencies (OG IFE) here that gives you a broader perspective on the programmatic recommendations to protect, promote and support breastfeeding and complementary feeding as well as to support the non breastfed infants.
In situations where assessments are conducted, and BMS is deemed necessary for a few children, we need to make sure that we do all what we can to provite skilled IYCF/Breastfeeding/Lactation counselling, and support the few those that our professional IYCF/Lactation trained staff have identified needing BMS.
The OG-IFE says that (Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies: Operational guidance for emergency relief and staff and programme managers | IYCF)
6.19 Where BMS is provided indirectly, such as through restricted voucher schemes, determine if Code-compliant products are available at designated vendors. Provide supporting information if necessary to address labelling shortfalls and report such Code violations (see 4.16 and 6.15). Monitor the price of products. Advise mothers and caregivers on appropriate and inappropriate BMS for different age groups.
6.20 Where unrestricted cash transfer programmes are implemented and BMS is available, BMS should not be excluded as an option for purchase by households support (see 5.25 and 6.25). In such instances, accompany cash transfer programmes with strong messaging on the value of breastfeeding, on recommended IYCF practices, and provide information on where all infants can access IYCF support (where milk powder is commonly available, see 6.25).
It is crucial to understand that we need to have all the interventions and supportive mechanisms in place so that breastfeeding remains the norm and only those few, access the needed BMS . Will be great if you program could link to your UNICEF office and discuss the potential needs of the non breastfed/infant formula dependent infants and ensure that the value vouchers you are providing are indeed use to improve the quality of the diet of the child, mother and the household.
Thanks and happy to discuss further.
Answered:
14 days ago