Cultural And Contextual Considerations in Designing Programs to Support The Incorporation of Early Childhood Development Within Ongoing National Nutrition Programs: A Focus on the Baby-Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI) in a Rural African Context

Abstract The Baby-Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI) is recognized to offer a unique platform for integration of counseling on early childhood development (ECD) with existing messages on maternal and child health and nutrition. To understand how to efficiently deliver such a program, this study determined the feasibility of integrating counseling on child stimulation into the Kenyan BFCI. Qualitative interviews among users, stakeholders and service providers provided extensive information on their understanding regarding ECD, beliefs around caregiving, needs at the different levels and potential barriers and facilitators. The most important facilitator was the existence of a robust community health strategy. Contextual influences and existing health system infrastructure are important considerations when designing integrated interventions to improve the nurturing care of young children.