Implementation guidance on policies and programmes for improving complementary feeding

Overview

This implementation guidance provides evidence-based guidance on translating WHO recommendations on complementary feeding into practice. It aims to support the delivery of effective interventions that enable infants and young children aged 6–23 months to consume adequate and healthy diets. The recommended approach fosters a shared vision and joint planning through interventions embedded within multiple systems, while promoting equity and inclusion, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized populations.

Structured across 11 modules, the guidance addresses national dietary guidelines, production of and access to nutritious foods, home fortification, social protection, standards for commercially produced complementary foods, regulation of inappropriate promotion, interpersonal counselling, communication approaches, and complementary feeding for children with disabilities and feeding difficulties and in emergency and fragile settings. It is intended primarily for government staff across health, agriculture, social development and welfare, food safety, finance and education involved in policy development, programme design and implementation, as well as other organizations supporting complementary feeding interventions.