LLLI Center for Breastfeeding Information

Journal Abstract and Review of the Month for April 2006

"Repositioning Nutrition as Central Development:
A Strategy for Large-Scale Action"

The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank, copyright 2006

Abstract:
The World Bank, an international organization dedicated to reducing global poverty and its concomitant ills, has produced a comprehensive report on the importance of improved nutrition on the reduction of poverty. The World Bank contends that malnutrition and its irreversible sequelae—reduced intelligence, stunted growth, poor academic performance, lowered educational level, inability to perform job functions, etc.--is the single most damaging causative factor in the perpetuation of poverty. Reduce malnutrition, says the World Bank report, and poverty is reduced as well. Reduce poverty, and not only the individual but also the world as a whole benefits.

Central to the report’s recommendations is the firm statement that steps to prevents malnutrition MUST occur during pregnancy and the first 2 years of life; waiting until children are school-age addresses the problems too late to be truly effective. If malnutrition is the root of poverty problems, taking steps to eradicate it before or shortly after it begins is a more effective strategy than trying to make up for the damage later on. The World Bank posits that there are both short- and long-term strategies that can be implemented by governments and non-governmental organizations, of which La Leche League International is one, that can have a lasting positive impact on the war against hunger and poverty.

The World Bank report states unequivocally that exclusive breastfeeding (particularly including the feeding of colostrum) for the first six months of life, followed by the introduction of nutrient- and energy-rich foods with breastfeeding continuing until two years of age, is the single most important long-term preventative measure that can be taken to combat undernutrition. The report cites the importance of utilizing the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), the enforcement of the WHO Code on the Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes, and the use of trained female community workers such as La Leche League Leaders to create a climate of support and accurate information for pregnant women and new mothers.

While breastfeeding alone will not solve the whole problem of poverty, the World Bank believes it is a fundamental first step. Exclusive breastfeeding can raise immunity levels and reduce disease susceptibility; allow for controlled child spacing and family planning; improve intelligence and later educational achievement; and lay the irreplaceable foundation for optimal life and growth.

This report is categorized by the following keywords:

BFHI
Barriers
Exclusive Breastfeeding
Extended Breastfeeding
HIV/AIDS
Cultural Influences
Long-Term Benefits
Obesity/Weight Concerns
Malnutrition
Nutrition
NutritionInfant
NutritionMaternal
WHO Code

The full text of this report is available (for free) at:
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/NUTRITION/Resources/281846-1131636806329/NutritionStrategy.pdf

Related articles on the ways breastfeeding can help improve nutrition and child development as well as combat global poverty can be found at:
http://www.lalecheleague.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVAugSep05p74.html
http://www.lalecheleague.org/advocacy/2005CSW.htm
http://www.lalecheleague.org/advocacy/unstatement.html