The National Infant and Young Child Feeding Network (NIYCFN) was officially launched on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at the Courtleigh Auditorium. The Ministry in collaboration with the National Infant and Young Child Feeding Committee has coordinated this network comprising of approximately 38 support groups island wide, healthcare staff, Parish Infant and Young Child Feeding Committees and Hospital Infant Committees.
The aim of the network is to provide practical care and support for the mothers and other caregivers, in alignment with the fact that childcare is not only the mother’s jobs, but rather a community effort. It allows participants such as the father, grandparents and siblings, to share in the experience of feeding children and child care through the expert support of or trained and experienced facilitators.
Speaking at the launch, Health & Wellness Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton noted that “This is a momentous initiative of the Ministry of Health and Wellness. We are certifying our institutions and providing training and support to the ‘village’. We encourage all Jamaican mothers, families and communities to make use of the initiative. Talk to your local health centres to find an Infant and Young Child Feeding Support group in your community.”