From 2009 to November 2014, Alive & Thrive implemented a comprehensive program in Bangladesh to improve breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices and to reduce stunting and young child anemia. Read about the program approach and results in phase 1.

Following this, Alive & Thrive undertook a feasibility study on how to integrate maternal nutrition in maternal, neonatal, and child health (MNCH) programs. Read about the maternal nutrition program approach and results.

Download Bangladesh country profile brief [XXMB PDF]

Results to Date

• 1.7 million mothers of children under 2 counseled on IYCF in program areas by more than 10,000 frontline workers of BRAC, the NGO responsible for implementing the interpersonal communication and community mobilization component in 50 subdistricts.
• Improved practices. Changes in exclusive breastfeeding were close to 25 percentage points higher than in comparison areas, and the percentage of children who had minimum dietary diversity almost doubled. (2013 process evaluation)
• Scale achieved through mass media, multiple platforms, and leveraged resources. Alive & Thrive broadcast seven TV spots nationwide. Features of the Alive & Thrive interpersonal and community mobilization approach introduced by BRAC in 50 subdistricts spread to 172 additional subdistricts through BRAC’s Essential Health Care Program and Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health Program. IYCF programs were modeled after Alive & Thrive in USAID-funded Feed the Future sites and DFID-funded nutrition and poverty reduction programs.
• Systems strengthening with support for training of master trainers for three national training institutes, a regional training institute, and 16 BRAC training venues facilitated scaling up infant and young child feeding programs by the government and NGOs.

Here are key tools & resources for Bangladesh

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