Image cover: © UNICEF/UNI422596/Shahan


Alive & Thrive is a global nutrition initiative to save lives, prevent illness, and ensure healthy growth of mothers and children. From 2009–2014, A&T demonstrated that rapid improvements in infant and young child feeding (IYCF) are possible in settings as diverse as Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and Viet Nam. In 2014, A&T began working in Burkina Faso, India, Nigeria, and throughout the Southeast Asia region, expanding its scope to include maternal and adolescent nutrition, and using agriculture and social protection programs as delivery mechanisms for maternal, infant, and young child nutrition (MIYCN). Currently, A&T is leveraging its robust network and knowledge base to strengthen systems and build capacity in these and other countries across Africa and Asia, while also disseminating innovations, tools, and lessons worldwide.

About the course

Based on content from the World Health Organization (WHO),the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Global Health Media, with advice from experts on infant and young child nutrition from all over the world, Investing in Child Nutrition is a free, self-paced course that aims to improve the skills and knowledge of health professionals working in maternal and child health on growth assessment and infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices. The course can be used as a solid introduction to those who are new to IYCF, or as a refresher course for those with years of experience.


Learning objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to assess breastfeeding and complementary feeding, measure children, plot measurements on growth charts, and interpret growth indicators and counsel and support mothers to carry out WHO/UNICEF recommended feeding practices for their infants and young children. 


Audience

This free, self-paced course is designed for individuals working in infant and child health and nutrition, including frontline health workers, health extension workers, and health care professionals. 


Length

Approximately 36 hours. 


Methodology

Investing in Child Nutrition is a self-paced program comprising nine modules, including a variety of multimedia (video and audio clips) and quizzes to allow users to evaluate how well they have mastered the material. The interactive content includes full photographs, graphics, videos, and animations, as well as audio clips to engage the user and frequent activities and knowledge checks to aid learning. The course also includes links to additional resources and references for those who are interested in exploring a topic further. 


Structure

The course comprises nine modules covering Breastfeeding, Complementary Feeding, Counselling Skills, Growth Assessment, and other relevant topics. Each module starts with an introductory video featuring insights from experts and highlighting learning goals. There are also opportunities for course feedback and evaluation.


Contact

Regarding technical issues, please use the links listed at the bottom of the page. You can contact the specialists behind this course to discuss any content related issue.

UNICEF

Linda Shaker
Nutrition Specialist | Nutrition and Child Development Section
lshaker@unicef.org