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BREASTFEEDING AND NUTRITION

Diarrhea is a leading cause of malnutrition in children under five, and malnourished children are more vulnerable to infection. Proper nutrition fortifies the immune system against infectious diseases like diarrhea and promotes long-term growth and development.

Breastfeeding provides ideal nourishment and helps develop a baby’s immune system. Nutrients in breast milk develop antibodies that fight diarrheal infections. In Africa, Asia, and Latin America, only half of infants younger than two months are exclusively breastfed.

As they grow older, malnourished children suffer further with each diarrheal episode. A relentless cycle of gut damage and repeat infections prevents nutrient absorption and blunts the immune system. Diarrhea contributes to chronic malnutrition, which can ultimately stunt children’s cognitive and physical growth.

An infographic titled "Diarrhea and Malnutrition: A Relentless Loop." It shows a cycle where chronic diarrheal disease leads to gut damage, then to malnutrition, then to an impaired immune response, looping back to chronic diarrheal disease. Icons for unsafe drinking water, lack of hygiene & sanitation, and environmental pathogens are included. The text "DEFENDDD" is at the bottom right.

Flowchart illustrating damaged gut structure and function leading to malnutrition. It shows blunted villi, smaller surface area, impaired nutrient absorption, permeable gaps, pathogen leakage, and chronic inflammation, forming a continuous cycle.

A woman in a pink shirt smiles while holding a baby wrapped in a blanket. They are sitting on a wooden chair inside a room with posters on the walls and medical equipment in the background.

To boost breastfeeding, moms need more support

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STATE OF THE FIELD REPORT

Optimal infant and young child feeding can break the cycle of diarrhea and malnutrition, and community education is essential. Impacts can grow when county policies pair nutrition with WASH solutions.

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