This study finds that, according to most respondents, the knowledge and commitment of mothers, families, and health workers to implement the proper IYCF practices is still limited. This problem is exacerbated by the limited availability of lactation rooms in workplaces, insufficient IYCF dissemination by health workers, and a lack of interest on the part of local governments to prioritizeIYCF improvement in their region. Furthermore, violations of regulations still occur, such as the promotion of formula milk product by health workers or formula milk companies (in seminars or workshops), because the monitoring and evaluations conducted by the government are not sufficient.
The purpose of the study was to identify barriers to political and public support for infant and young child feeding (IYCF) and to propose possible solutions to overcome these barriers.
This was a qualitative study using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and the opinions of relevant policy makers from key government and nongovernment agencies. The study incorporated a national level analysis which was complemented with case studies from Kota Bekasi and Kabupaten Pandeglang. The case studies intended to provide a picture of the IYCF situation at the district level in both urban and rural areas.
