Opportunities for improving nutritional outcomes in newborns, infants, and children

Globally, 17.4% of infants under 6-months (u6m) are underweight, 15.5% wasted, 19.9% stunted and 15.0% born with low birthweight (LBW). Save the Children has strengthened identification of and care for these infants and their mothers through the Management of small and nutritionally At-risk Infants u6m and their Mothers (MAMI) Care Pathway, which provides a framework to assess, classify, and manage at-risk infants and their mothers. It builds on existing services, including maternal and newborn care. The MAMI Care Pathway is enrolling significant numbers of at-risk newborns, with an average of 23% of MAMI enrolments born LBW and/or preterm in 2023. With continued care through regular follow-up until the infant reaches 6-months of age, the MAMI Care Pathway provides a solution for continued support for at-risk newborns past the first month of life, and the mother beyond post-natal care.

In response to Ethiopia's 2023-2024 drought and conflict, FHI 360 piloted an integrated Cash for Nutrition intervention targeting 600 children aged 6-23 months recently discharged from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) treatment. Unconditional monthly cash transfers were paired with financial literacy, peer-led Mother-to-Mother Support Groups, and IYCF-focused cooking demonstrations in eight drought-affected woredas. Results showed zero relapse into acute malnutrition, improved child dietary diversity, and strengthened caregiver knowledge and engagement. The approach not only addressed immediate post-treatment needs but also fostered sustainable behavior change and social support. The initiative demonstrates that pairing CVA with behavior change strategies can be an effective model for preventing SAM relapse and protecting child nutrition in fragile settings. The experience offers a replicable framework for integrating CVA into multisectoral emergency responses to enhance nutrition resilience during crisis.

In conflict affected Ukraine, breastfeeding is critical for child survival has declined due to disrupted maternal care and unregulated commercial milk formula distribution. FHI 360 launched a comprehensive initiative to restore Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) support across the first 1,000 days of life. From January 2024 to July 2025, over 17,800 women received lactation counseling in 189 health facilities, and 539 health workers were trained in IYCF. The program also leveraged digital tools, reaching thousands through a Telegram support group and an AI powered chatbot. Community health volunteers extended support to rural areas, while mothers in distress were linked to psychological care. This multi channel strategy successfully institutionalized lactation support within Ukraine's health system, enhancing continuity of care during crisis. The model showcases how integrating facility, community, and digital approaches can strengthen resilience and protect maternal and child nutrition in humanitarian settings-offering a scalable framework for