Developing an Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies Preparedness Plan for the island of Ireland
Breastfeeding is recommended by national and international public health bodies. Where breast-milk feeding is not possible, safe feeding of an appropriate infant formula is an alternative option. During emergency situations, appropriate and evidence-based support of infant and young child feeding (IYCF) is needed quickly as the greatest risks to this group are posed by diarrhoea, infections and malnutrition. Even in well-nourished populations, an emergency can quickly place the health of infants and young children at risk. Thus, the WHO has urged member states to develop preparedness plans for IYCF during emergencies (IYCF-E) (WHO, 2017).
Creating environments where women are supported and empowered to start and maintain breastfeeding has been identified as critical within government policies across the island (DHSSPS,2013; Health Service Executive, 2017). However, Covid-19 highlighted the serious challenges surrounding IYCF experienced by families across the island of Ireland. Developing an IYCF-E plan would considerably mitigate these challenges and reduce stress on families during emergency situations. Yet there are no IYCF-E plans in either jurisdiction currently.
The proposed research will investigate what would be needed for an IYCF-E preparedness plan that would be appropriate across the island of Ireland. Similar emergencies would likely affect both countries, being on the same island, so creating a cross-border plan is sensible. The student involved in this project will (1) conduct qualitative and quantitative research to understand the sources of professional and lay IYCF support available for families on the island of Ireland from the point of view of both recipients and providers and (2) using a Delphi study to gather information to develop a draft IYCF-E preparedness plan for the island of Ireland with input from relevant stakeholders. The student will be required to travel throughout the island of Ireland.
Research Centre
The Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute (ESHI, https://www.tudublin.ie/research/discover-our-research/research-institutes-centres-and-groups/eshi/research/food/
Student requirements for this project
Min 2.2 Bachelor’s degree (Level 8) in Nutrition; Dietetics; Public Health; or related
If you are interested in submitting an application for this project, please complete an Expression of Interest (https://www.tudublin.ie/media/website/research/postgraduate-research/graduate-research-school/documents/Expression-of-Interest-form.docx) and email it to [Email Address Removed]
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