IMCI: the adaptation of infant and young child feeding recommendations in Eritrea April 8-17 1998.

This trip report pertains to a consultant visit during April 8-17 1998 to Eritrea to consult with the Ministry of Health nutritionist about the results of trials of improved infant feeding practices. The trials were conducted in Tokombia area and rural Baruntu in Gash Barka Zone in the western Lowlands and in Foro and Sheib in the eastern coastal Lowlands. This report provides a review of the findings from the trials the feeding and Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) "food box" recommendations suggestions for adapting IMCI child feeding materials and future prospects. Appendices pertain to feeding instructions and final report preparation on the trials. Findings reveal almost universal breast feeding for long periods. Exclusive breast feeding is common but some mothers gave infants aged under 2 months water or animal milk. Supplementary foods were delayed until the child was 6-9 months of age. The staple food is a bread made from fermented dough of sorghum millet maize and/or wheat. There were many different types of bread. Bread is eaten with a sauce made with legumes dark leafy vegetables okra meat fish tomatoes and onions and/or egg. Other main dishes were a stiff porridge and tekusha served with milk sour milk butter or tsebhi. Rice is less commonly eaten. Fruits are uncommon. Use of tea was pervasive in the Central Zone. Children frequently ate from an adults bowl. Mothers were interested in improving feeding practices. Recommendations were prepared for the central Highlands western Lowlands and eastern Lowlands into one set which is included in the appendices.