Evaluation of the Sustainability of Infant and Young Child Feeding Programs in Akwa-Ibom, Nigeria

• Published in: Journal of nutrition education and behavior 2024-08, Vol.56 (8), p.S59-S59
• Main Authors: David, Uduak, Ariyo, Oluwaseun, Leshi, Oluwatosin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1499-4046; 1878-2620
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2024.05.137

Nigeria is a country with high child mortality and optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) have been shown to have substantial impact on child mortality and morbidity, hence the rationale for prioritising IYCF programs. The objective is to evaluate the sustainability of community-based IYCF programs after two years of implementation in Akwa-Ibom, Nigeria, Evaluation of IYCF programs implemented by Association of Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), Women and Community Livelihood Improvement Foundation (WOCLIF) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) was conducted in a cross-sectional study with 54 stakeholders (18 from each organization). Evaluation of program sustainability was done using a modified Program Sustainability Assessment Tool (PSAT) with eight domains (funding stability, environmental support, organizational capacity, strategic planning, communication, partnership, program evaluation and program adaptation). Responses from stakeholders were graded based on 5-point Likert scale. Funding was identified as a major factor hindering sustainability of the IYCF program with a lower rating (40%) across all three organizations. All the organizations had internal and external environment that supports IYCF practices to a little extent. Organizational capacity, strategic planning and communication were rated high (80%). All programs to a large extent have internal support and resources required to effectively manage IYCF program and its activities. For strategic planning, all organizations have processes that guide their program's direction, goals, and strategies. Organizations evaluated have strategic communication with stakeholders and the public about IYCF program. Partnership, program evaluation and adaptation had different rating across three organizations. UNICEF had higher rating (80%) than ARFH and WOCLIF (60%) on connections between IYCF program and its stakeholders, planning and evaluation of IYCF program, and the adaptation of IYCF program. To achieve optimal IYCF practices, it is necessary to factor sustainability plan during program design and implementation. However, attention should be given to funding IYCF programs to ensure sustainable impact. None