Since its inception, the association has been a national authority on all matters related to breastfeeding and infant and young child nutrition. Thanks to a select group of multidisciplinary experts, and through its collaboration with the Ministry of Health and UNICEF, it has gained local and international recognition for its role. Key aspects of this program include:
Supporting breastfeeding is the focus of this program. Thanks to the association's outstanding efforts and diligent follow-up, and as a culmination of its activities— most importantly the formation of the National Committee for Optimal Infant and Young Child Nutrition—the association has played a leading national role in this field.
The association is represented by two members in the committee: one as an association representative and the other as the representative of the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), which the association represents in Lebanon. It was agreed that the association’s president would serve as the coordinator of the national program.
Among the key achievements and activities realized:
The issuance of Law No. 47 represents a major legislative milestone achieved through the association’s efforts, despite ongoing challenges delaying its implementation due to significant pressures and obstacles.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and UNICEF, a study was conducted on the application of the Global Code for the Regulation of Marketing of Infant and Young Child Foods. This study provides a critical database and practical tool to support the implementation of the law.
A national reference guide on infant and young child nutrition—prepared by the association’s president and published by the Ministry of Public Health and the World Health Organization—has been widely distributed to pediatricians, general practitioners, and family physicians.
Over 850 primary healthcare workers from all regions of Lebanon have received training on infant and young child feeding, and annual national breastfeeding weeks are organized as part of a global initiative to promote and protect breastfeeding.
A model breastfeeding clinic was established at the association’s headquarters in Tayouneh, alongside the creation of a free consultation hotline and nationwide awareness campaigns organized with national and international partners.
A new beginning for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. Training programs were launched targeting hospital staff, managers, and national evaluators.
A total of 135 participants were trained through programs that included training of trainers, seminars for hospital managers, external evaluation teams, and staff working in Baby-Friendly hospitals.
World Vision—in cooperation with the association—implemented intensive training programs and follow-up visits to support institutional change in hospitals, assess progress, and identify implementation challenges.
As part of the national program and in response to emergency situations, the association collaborated with national and international partners to strengthen preparedness and response capacity.
The National Policy for Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies was updated, and workshops were held across Beirut, North Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley with the participation of more than 30 organizations.
Thousands of individual consultations and awareness sessions were conducted for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, alongside the development of educational materials tailored to emergency contexts.
This initiative—implemented in cooperation with the International Medical Corps—is one of the leading programs of its kind in Lebanon. It bridges the gap between general breastfeeding guidance and structured, direct support to mothers.
The program includes a structured follow-up system consisting of six visits per mother, combined with telephone support, ensuring medical monitoring, breastfeeding support, vaccination follow-up, and maternal education from pregnancy until the infant reaches six months of age.
Currently, approximately 100 women are actively followed under this initiative, with encouraging indicators demonstrating positive impact on maternal and child health.
The first breastfeeding and infant nutrition consultation clinic was established to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding. The clinic is supervised by an internationally certified breastfeeding expert.
Services include prenatal care, childbirth preparation, early postpartum breastfeeding support, continued follow-up until the child reaches two years of age, home visits when needed, and 24/7 hotline services.
