Santos Reynald, Sossa Jerome Charles, Azandjeme Colette, Mizehoun-Adissoda Carmelle, Metonnou Clémence
Department of Health Promotion, University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Regional Institute of Public Health, Ouidah, Benin.
Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Cotonou, Benin.
Food Nutr Bull. 2025 Mar;46(1):39-50. doi: 10.1177/03795721241302867. Epub 2024 Dec 12.
BackgroundTo prevent micronutrient deficiencies and address the double burden of malnutrition, Benin has implemented Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) and food fortification policies for several years. Despite these efforts, significant micronutrient deficiencies persist, posing a public health problem.ObjectiveThis study aims to identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation of government policies on IYCF and food fortification in Benin.MethodsWe conducted in-depth individual interviews with 23 key national and local stakeholders involved in implementing these policies. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through a deductive and iterative process based on the study's objective.ResultsStakeholders identified several barriers to policy implementation, including low staff motivation, exacerbated by poor personnel management and lack of recognition. Financial resources are insufficient despite organizational support. Training and awareness among health workers and producers are limited outside UNICEF's intervention areas. Traditional eating habits and cultural resistance impede the adoption of new practices. The monitoring system is complex and ill-equipped, hindering quality control of fortified foods. Facilitators include strong political commitment, partnerships with international nongovernmental organizations, and effective intersectoral collaboration. These partnerships have improved training and community awareness, though gaps remain. The involvement of local producers and professional associations also supports food fortification initiatives.ConclusionNutrition policies in Benin face challenges such as low staff motivation and lack of resources. However, strong political commitment and international partnerships present opportunities to overcome these barriers.Plain language titleStudy of Challenges and Solutions to Improve Food Policies for Babies and Children in Benin.
背景
为预防微量营养素缺乏并应对营养不良的双重负担，贝宁已实施婴幼儿喂养（IYCF）和食品强化政策数年。尽管做出了这些努力，严重的微量营养素缺乏问题依然存在，构成了一个公共卫生问题。
目的
本研究旨在确定贝宁政府实施婴幼儿喂养和食品强化政策的障碍与促进因素。
方法
我们对参与实施这些政策的23名国家和地方关键利益相关者进行了深入的个人访谈。访谈进行了录音、转录，并根据研究目的通过演绎和迭代过程进行了分析。
结果
利益相关者确定了政策实施的几个障碍，包括工作人员积极性低，而人事管理不善和缺乏认可使这一情况更加恶化。尽管有组织支持，但财政资源不足。在联合国儿童基金会干预地区以外，卫生工作者和生产者的培训及认知有限。传统饮食习惯和文化阻力阻碍了新做法的采用。监测系统复杂且设备不足，妨碍了对强化食品的质量控制。促进因素包括坚定的政治承诺、与国际非政府组织的伙伴关系以及有效的跨部门合作。这些伙伴关系改善了培训和社区认知，不过仍存在差距。当地生产者和专业协会的参与也支持了食品强化倡议。
结论
贝宁的营养政策面临工作人员积极性低和资源匮乏等挑战。然而，坚定的政治承诺和国际伙伴关系为克服这些障碍提供了机遇。
通俗易懂的标题
贝宁改善婴幼儿食品政策的挑战与解决方案研究
