Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCF-E) Support – Lifesaving Interventions

Breastfeeding is lifesaving. Each year, breastfeeding could save the lives of 820,000 children who die mostly from diarrhoea and pneumonia. Non-breastfed infants are at even greater risk during emergencies, when poor sanitation, overcrowding, and shortages of food, water, power and healthcare increase infant mortality. Support for infants and young child feeding in emergencies is so important that it is included in the framework for lifesaving interventions in humanitarian settings. This technical note can be used when advocating for infant feeding in emergencies.