Tracking the Progress in Breastfeeding after Implementation of MAA Programme in India

Abstract Background: Early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding are the most effective interventions to ensure the survival, health, and development of children. This paper analyses the relative change in early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding over the last four years among children born after January 2016 and its significant cofactors at the district level. Results are expected to contribute to tracking the efficacy of the MAA programme initiated by GOI in 2016 to strengthen the country's breastfeeding programme.Methods: The analysis of this study is based on two recent rounds of NFHS: NFHS-4 and NFHS-5, which were conducted during the periods between 2015-16 and 2019-20, respectively. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was done to achieve the desired objectives. The analysis has been carried out at a district level incorporating information from 342 districts across 22 phase-I States/UTs.Results: The study reveals a relative increase in exclusive breastfeeding (9 per cent), whereas there was a relative decline in early initiation of breastfeeding (-7 per cent) from 2015-16 to 2019-20. Moreover, women's educational status, four or more antenatal care visits, institutional delivery, and deliveries through cesarean section were significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Still, their association with early breastfeeding initiation was not significant. Conclusion: The MAA programme seems to be effective for rendering positive results for exclusive breastfeeding; however, early initiation of breastfeeding is a cause of concern as its percentage declined significantly from 2015-16 to 2019-20.