Protect nutrition for children during emergencies – cross-border report

Governments need to do more to safeguard nutrition for infants and children during emergencies, a cross-border report has said.

The importance of this was shown in the aftermath of Storm Eowyn, an editor of the report said.

The all-island research has urged the Government to prepare in advance on how to ensure the supply of food for infants and children during emergencies.

Disruptions such as natural disasters and public health crises can pose significant risks to infant and young children’s nutrition.

Children are particularly vulnerable in situations where supply chains are disrupted and water infrastructure is interrupted.

The report, led by Technological University Dublin and Queen’s University Belfast, supported by funding from the North-South Research Programme (NSRP), highlights the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing such challenges.

The report’s editors, Dr Aileen Kennedy, Dr Liz O’Sullivan, and Dr Clare Patton, highlighted the importance of embedding infant and young child feeding into emergency planning.

Dr Clare Patton of the University of Leeds and Queen’s University Belfast said when it comes to protecting its youngest citizens, Ireland is “falling behind”.

Dr Patton said authorities should take “bold, forward-thinking” action to shield children from the influence of corporations.

“Families across Ireland need legal protection that supports breastfeeding and guarantees safe, affordable access to formula when needed,” she said.

“In an emergency, a strong Infant and Young Child Feeding system isn’t a luxury – it’s a lifeline. Waiting until harm is done is not an option. We need protective legislation now – not an inquiry later.”

Dr Liz O’Sullivan of TU Dublin said it was too simplistic to assume that parents can look after small children in emergencies.

“Our research, and recent experiences of parents during storm Eowyn, has highlighted that families are not prepared or supported to manage infant and young child feeding during crises,” she said.

“Too long, emergency response systems nationally and internationally have assumed that parents will simply look after small children in emergencies.

“However, that’s a simplistic viewpoint and in reality, parents may need considerable support to do so.

“To ensure Ireland is more resilient in the face of future emergencies, we must: protect, promote, and support breastfeeding now, ensure reliable access to affordable commercial milk formula (without promotion of same), provide families with the information and skills they need to prepare for emergencies, and ensure we have trained professionals ready to provide assistance and support to families in the face of an emergency that impacts infant and young child feeding.”

Dr Aileen Kennedy of TU Dublin said the EU’s new Preparedness Union Strategy, launched this week, recognises that crises are becoming more complex and unpredictable.

“This is especially true for infants and young children, who are among the most vulnerable in any emergency due to their unique nutritional needs, limited nutrient reserves, and immature immune systems.

“Without the right support, they are at high risk of malnutrition and illness, which can have lasting consequences for their growth, development, and future potential.

“While we cannot predict exactly when emergencies will occur, climate change, global instability, and other emerging threats mean disruptions are becoming more likely.

“Ireland must take a forward-thinking approach, ensuring that infant and young child feeding is embedded into emergency preparedness planning at all levels, in line with wider EU resilience efforts.

“Families should not be left without the support they need when a crisis strikes.”