Objectives:Exclusive breast feeding (EBF) uptake in Zimbabwe is very low. Given that EBF is a physiological process which transpires in a specific socio-economic milieu, this study investigates the socio-economic factors militating against its uptake.Methods:The study used a mixed research methodology. The concurrent nested model of mixed methods was utilized using one data collection phase, during which both quantitative and qualitative data were collected simultaneously.Results:The research noted that factors such as low education, low income, gender inequalities, social influence, and traditional practices were hindering the uptake of exclusive breast feeding.Conclusions and Global Health Implications:The study envisages that it is pertinent for infant feeding programs to address socio-economic barriers to EBF in order to influence a positive uptake. The potential interventions include increasing men’s involvement, raising awareness on EBF, and strengthening the Village Health Worker Program.
The paper explores the implications of neoliberal social policies for the care of orphans in Zimbabwe and looks at the challenges and opportunities for social work practice in such a context. It is estimated that Zimbabwe is home to over 1 million orphaned and vulnerable children most of whom are being looked after by their relatives. As from 1991, Zimbabwe switched over from a "socialist" socio-economic policy trajectory to a neoliberal dispensation. This neoliberal policy regime entails the implementation of austerity measures such as severe cuts on social expenditures, the introduction of stringent means tested social safety nets and reduction of the civil service wage bill. This paper argues that this neoliberal policy regime negatively affects the care of orphans and access to services such as health and education. The reduction of expenditure on social services has also resulted in severe cuts on social work posts within the civil service leading to high caseloads and poor social work practice. The paper concludes by identifying and arguing for developmental social work practice as a social work strategy to challenge and address the implications of neoliberalism through strengthening the capacities of the kinship system, advocacy and contribution to the social policy making process.
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