Positive Deviance Approach a Tool for Exploring IYCF in Popokabaka

Malnutrition is responsible of about half of the mortality among children aged less than five years, especially in developing countries. Popokabaka is a health zone among the most affected by malnutrition in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). For fighting against malnutrition the DRC uses therapeutic foods ready to employment from foreign countries such as plumpy nut. We find that at the end of the project, malnutrition becomes prevalent again. That is why the present study used positive deviance approach for exploring mothers' positive behaviors and practices regarding infant and young child feeding (IYCF), in relation to food hygiene, cooking and composition, children's health, food consumption habits as well as childhood stimulation in order to look for local solutions which are affordable, socially acceptable and thereby lasting, and to direct decision makers. This study has brought into light some local and affordable solutions such as the importance of social support, food habit and hygiene that, if implemented, could help, prevent malnutrition and improve nutritional status of children in Popokabaka health zone.