Family Knowledge on Feeding, Saving & Impact of Divorce on Children

The Executive Board of the World Health Organization, at its 101st session in January 1998, called for a revitalization of the global commitment to appropriate infant and young child nutrition, and in particular breastfeeding and complementary feeding. Subsequently, in close collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund, WHO organized a consultation (Geneva, 13-17 March 2000) to assess infant and young child feeding practices, review key interventions, and formulate a comprehensive strategy for the next decade. Over the past 20 years infant and under-five mortality rates have been on the rise in Kenya, with current poor infant feeding practices contributing to more than 10,000 deaths each year. Recent data indicate that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is the most effective preventive intervention for ensuring child survival; it is estimated that universal coverage of exclusive breastfeeding could save 13 percent of all under-five deaths, and appropriate complementary feeding could prevent an additional 6 percent of all under five deaths. If the Family is the building block of society, then marriage is the foundation of the family.