Why Is Baby Formula Important in International Aid?

As a provider of humanitarian relief, the Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) acknowledges the critical significance of baby formula in aiding mothers and infants who are navigating the chaos of disaster and conflict-stricken zones.

While breastfeeding remains unparalleled as the optimal source of nourishment for infants, baby formula—also known as infant formula (IF)—is a vital and lifesaving substitute. Engineered to replicate the nutritional profile of human milk, it ensures that even in the harshest conditions, newborns can access the sustenance essential for their survival and growth.

Discover the indispensable role baby formula plays in global relief efforts and explore how you can make a difference.

 

The Importance of Infant Formula in International Aid

Formula milk is usually manufactured from cow’s milk that has been modified for babies. It can be given to newborns up to one year old, partially or completely replacing breast milk.

Infant formula generally comes in two forms: dry powder that is later mixed with water and ready-to-feed liquid formulas. Since the liquid version is more expensive and must be consumed more quickly, most humanitarian organizations rely on its powder form.

Why is baby formula important in international aid? Here are some reasons:

Delivers Nutrition to Malnourished or Orphaned Babies

The United Nations Children's Fund shares that almost half of all deaths among children under five are due to undernutrition. The same organization reveals that one in four children is in a country affected by disaster or conflict. 

In Gaza, where IMANA has distributed nearly 25,880 cans of baby formula, approximately 6,000 mothers have been killed as of 2024. UN Women estimates that their passing has left around 19,000 children orphaned.

Whether due to disaster or war, IF offers a vital source of nutrition, preventing malnutrition and starvation.

Supports Displaced Families

Natural disasters and conflicts often lead to refugee crises where families have little or no access to clean water, food, and safe places. Conflict and violence alone have forced over 47 million children to leave their homes in 2023.

For mothers and infants who face uncertain futures after being displaced, formula milk is often a necessary alternative for safe nutrition.

Aids Mothers Who Face Medical Barriers to Breastfeeding

Nursing mothers may experience health conditions that make their breast milk unsafe for infants, such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), tuberculosis, and herpes on the breasts. A mother’s severe illness, malnutrition, and exposure to toxins could also pose risks for newborns.

Baby formula provides essential calories and nourishment that would otherwise be impossible to supply.

Prevents Dehydration

When organizations pair baby formula with water purification supplies like tablets, filters, and kits, foreign aid can prevent dehydration and diseases due to unsafe feeding practices.

Aside from maintaining hydration levels, formula can help infants recover more quickly from illnesses like diarrhea, the biggest danger newborns face in emergency scenarios.

Breast Milk and Baby Formula During Conflicts and Disasters

Despite all the benefits of baby formula, the best nutrition for babies is still breast milk. This is the consensus among major aid and health agencies around the world.

Based on this principle, IMANA:

Encourages Breastfeeding as the Primary Source of Sustenance

We believe that mothers should have access to relevant information and practical advice regarding breastfeeding. If they are experiencing difficulties or have stopped breastfeeding, they should be encouraged to continue as long as they are able, even in emergency situations.

Ideally, mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed their infants within 30 minutes after giving birth. Other food and liquids shouldn’t be given to babies until they are at least six months old. Delayed breastfeeding and giving newborns other types of nourishment magnifies the risk of illness and death.

Supports the Use of Wet Nurses

If the mother has died, cannot be located, or is unable to breastfeed due to health conditions, another lactating mother can provide milk to the baby. 

While infant formula has been artificially engineered to suit the needs of newborns, breast milk contains the ideal amount of fat, carbohydrates, protein, minerals, and vitamins that support growth and development. Moreover, breast milk is superior because it supplies babies with vital antibodies that nurture a strong immune system and minimize illness.

Promotes Baby Formula as a Substitute or Supplement

When it is impossible to meet the first two conditions—feeding milk from the mother or a wet nurse—baby formula is the next best thing.

This situation may arise if:

• The baby has been orphaned and no one wants to step in as a wet nurse
• The mother is unable to breastfeed 
• The mother does not have enough milk for her baby.

Baby formula may also be used to supplement the mother’s supply. When the situation calls for IF, organizations:

• Strive to ensure a sufficient supply and close monitoring of the baby’s health
• Educate caregivers on baby formula’s proper preparation
• Provide caregivers with the necessary resources for preparation

Following these guidelines mitigates the risks associated with feeding newborns milk formulas.

How You Can Help Mothers and Newborns

Why is baby formula important in global aid? Baby formula prevents malnourishment, dehydration, and death among infants while supporting displaced families and mothers who cannot breastfeed. Sadly, many parts of the world have large populations of newborns whose mothers cannot provide the sustenance they need.

The war-torn city of Gaza, for example, had the highest rate of malnutrition among children globally. It was found that at least one in three infants under the age of two were suffering from acute malnourishment, or “wasting”—an extremely life-threatening condition. Helping these kids get well-fed is very important to ensure the development of their brains and body. If you want to learn more, our webinar by Dr. Madiha Saeed explains the importance of how children’s brains and bodies develop with or without parents’ guidance.

Aside from providing well over 100 tons of necessary supplies to the region, IMANA supports mothers and newborns in Gaza by distributing thousands of cans of baby formula. 

Be part of our AidGaza’s Bottles of Hope campaign. A donation of $85 buys four cans of baby formula, enough to nourish an infant for an entire month. Donate and save a child’s life today.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Baby Formula

Is baby formula necessary during humanitarian emergencies?

Yes. While breastfeeding remains the preferred source of infant nutrition, baby formula becomes a lifesaving alternative when breastfeeding is not possible due to displacement, illness, or the loss of a caregiver.

Is baby formula really necessary if breastfeeding is encouraged?

Breastfeeding is always encouraged whenever it is safe and possible. However, baby formula is necessary for infants who cannot receive breast milk from their mother or a wet nurse.

When is baby formula used in international aid?

Humanitarian organizations provide baby formula when infants have been orphaned, mothers are unable to breastfeed, or additional nutritional support is required during emergencies.

Why is proper preparation of baby formula important?

Preparing baby formula correctly helps reduce the risk of dehydration, illness, and contamination. Humanitarian organizations also provide education and supplies to support safe feeding practices.

How does baby formula help infants affected by disasters or conflict?

Baby formula provides essential nutrition that helps prevent malnutrition, supports healthy growth, and improves survival for infants living in crisis situations.

How can people support mothers and babies in humanitarian crises?

Individuals can contribute by supporting trusted humanitarian organizations that provide baby formula, medical care, clean water, and other essential supplies to vulnerable mothers and infants.