Infant and Young Child Feeding Program (LINKAGES) (1996-2006)

Project Website: http://www.linkagesproject.org/

LINKAGES, a worldwide program funded by USAID, promoted five health-related practices: exclusive breastfeeding, timely and appropriate complementary child feeding, safe infant feeding in communities affected by HIV, better maternal nutrition, and the Lactational Amenorrhea Method as a safe, short-term, modern method of birth spacing. Over ten years, LINKAGES documented increases in the timely initiation of breastfeeding after delivery and exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life. For example, in Madagascar between 2000 and 2005, timely initiation of breastfeeding increased from 32% to 68% and exclusive breastfeeding for infants 0 < 6 months increased from 42% to 70%.

Health Areas
Adolescent and women's nutrition, Infant feeding and HIV/AIDS, Infant and young child feeding.

Behavior Change Strategies or Processes
Capacity development and training, Behavior change communication, Policy analysis & advocacy, Essential nutrition actions, Nutrition assessment & surveillance, Monitoring and evaluation, Community mobilization, Behavioral research.

Project Director
Linda Sanei

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