abstract
Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) comprises well-established and widely accepted recommendations for the proper feeding of newborns and children under two years of age. Suboptimal IYCF practices are likely a significant contributing factor to undernutrition in India and Odisha. The purpose of this situational analysis is to achieve the following objectives: 1. Understand the trends of IYCF practices in Odisha, 2. Understand the trends of IYCF practices in India, and 3. Understand various IYCF strategies, policies, and programs using a socioecological model. This involved searching and reviewing available literature, gathering data/reports on IYCF trends, synthesizing findings on trends, and using the socioecological model to understand various interventions and policies on IYCF, and to identify barriers and facilitators to IYCF practices. It was observed that despite an increase in IYCF practices, they are still suboptimal, especially regarding the introduction of complementary foods at the appropriate time and minimum acceptable diet. This area needs to be strengthened. Over the years, various programs, policies, and strategies have been implemented to focus on improving IYCF practices, but still, the IYCF practices in our country are subpar. This review also underscores the need for program and policy actions to improve IYCF practices through a comprehensive approach that encompasses educating individuals, engaging the community, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and implementing supportive policies, all within the framework of the socioecological model.