IBFAN AFRICA

IBFAN Africa and SINAN (Swaziland Infant Nutrition Action Network) jointly hosted a biathlon event on March 20, 2010. The objective of the event was to create awareness among the youth about optimal infant feeding practices. Many of Swaziland’s youth are sexually active — and some are already parents — yet they lack this vital information. The event was aimed at 5—18 year olds and was well-attended with a large number of parents present. Their presence was especially welcome since they too heard the messages and would be in a position to discuss these with their children at home. The key objectives of the event included the following:


To create awareness about optimal infant and young child feeding among the youth through distribution of IEC material and edutainment.

To raise funds for a youth initiative and nationwide project on optimal infant and young feeding practices in light of new WHO/UNICEF Consensus Statement on Breastfeeding.

To create awareness about the work of IBFAN Africa and SINAN and how this benefits the community.

Share best practices with other partners and sister organizations in order to increase IBFAN membership.

Key messages disseminated on the day included:  Babies must be exclusively breastfed for 6 months of life — exclusive breastfeeding means giving baby breastmilk only; no water or other foods. Breastfeeding is not a choice, it is a responsibility; and breastfeeding is a gift that lasts a lifetime. Participants were given the opportunity to take part in a breastfeeding quiz and win prizes.

Prior to the event a number of private companies were approached for possible partnering and the following contributed to the success of the event: Standard Bank of Swaziland; Expertype; Kobla Quashie and Associates; Printpak; PC Systems; Times of Swaziland; Real Image; Swaziland Beverages; and Adventure Sports