The International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) Africa, a pro-advocacy network that promotes and supports optimal infant and young child-feeding practicies (IYCF), has awarded a  certificate of  appreciation to the  National Nutrition Agency (NaNa).

This is due to the recognition of the outstanding contrbutions of NaNa in the activities of IBFAN in the promotion of the rights of women and children.

Speaking to the Daily Observer, Malang Fofana of NaNa, who doubles as   the National Co-ordinator of IBFAN, said the award is in recognition of Nana’s significant achievements in the area of Baby Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI).

According to him, BCFI’s programme inspired countries like Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, thus prompting them to visit The Gambia, in oder to exchange and study how the programme   was implemented in the   country.

He said the action plan developed by The Gambia is geared towards the designation of six health facilities, including   Bansang, Basse, Essau, Soma, Farrafenni and the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital as   ‘baby friendly’ by the year 2010.

This is all geared towards   focusing on national scaling of Baby Friendly Health Initiative (BFHI) and Baby Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI) to ensure improved cordination among network members .