Identifying Countries at High Risk of Infant and Young Child Feeding Challenges Post- Earthquake

Abstract This study examines the potential risks to infant feeding practices following earthquakes in countries at high risk of fatality and/or infrastructure damage. Using secondary data from the Global Earthquake Model Foundation, we analyzed estimated average annual fatalities and average annual area damaged due to earthquakes to identify the top 20 countries globally with the highest value for each indicator. We then assessed these countries’ vulnerability to infant feeding disruptions by examining their exclusive breastfeeding rates. Countries with low exclusive breastfeeding rates face heightened challenges in safely feeding infants during natural disasters due to their heavy reliance on substantial resources needed for artificial feeding. Additionally, countries with high annual average fatalities require robust preparedness plans and support systems to ensure continued care and immediate nutrition for infants, breastfed and non-breastfed alike, in the event of caregiver loss. In contrast, countries with a high risk of significant infrastructure damage are particularly susceptible to food safety and access challenges even when caregivers remain with their infants. Out of 198 countries assessed, the findings identify 24 countries with either the highest average annual fatalities or the highest average annual area damaged values from earthquakes, and a cohort of 16 countries appears in both categories. Strengthening breastfeeding promotion, providing lactation support, and establishing emergency preparedness plans for infant feeding are critical for reducing mortality in the identified countries. Integrating the Operational Guidance for Infant Feeding in Emergencies (Operational Guidance) into national disaster response plans will improve preparedness, especially if it is available in the national languages of these countries (especially Mandarin, Farsi, and Urdu). We strongly encourage all identified countries to prioritize integrating infant feeding strategies into their earthquake preparedness plans to protect and promote the well-being of infants.