Negros Province - The National Nutrition Council Region VII reminds local governments of the national policy on the management of nutrition in emergencies as it emphasizes the provision of the minimum service package for nutrition. One of these packages is the Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCF-E).

IYCF-E is concerned with the protection and support of safe feeding practices for infants and young children in all types of emergencies. All efforts shall be exerted to promote exclusive breastfeeding of children below six months as well as for the provision of appropriate and timely complementary food to children aged six months onwards with continued breastfeeding.

The agency reiterates the following activities must be part of the early, intermediate, and extended phases of emergency:

• Organization of infant and young child feeding support group,
• Designation of breastfeeding areas in the evacuation centers,
• Provision of “safe havens” for pregnant and lactating mothers that are accessible, secure, and with access to safe drinking water and food,
• Encouragement of other mothers to breastfeed infants who may have lost their mothers,
• Provision of counseling services for re-lactation, and
• Promotion of desirable complementary feeding practices.

In the very rare chance of breastfeeding not being possible, breast milk substitute may be used if it is given using a cup and spoon; and that there is adequate safe drinking water and proper sterilization of feeding equipment.

It also underscores that under Executive Order No. 51 or The Milk Code the donation of breastmilk substitutes including infant formula, powdered milk, and other milk products, as well as feeding bottles, teats, and commercial baby food, are not allowed and should not be part of the general distribution of food packs. // NegOr IMO Lyneth Anne A. Amahit, RND