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An important call to action on Breastfeeding : IBFAN / Richard Jolly and Peter Greaves



BREASTFEEDING CHALLENGE TO WHO AND UNICEF





 
In 1981 the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (the Code). UNICEF was involved with the development of the Code, and subsequently has actively supported governments in the implementation of the Code and relevant later WHA resolutions. But while much progress has been made, and many governments have incorporated the Code, in whole or in part, into their own legislation, baby food companies continue to evade compliance with components of the Code.


The International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), which has 270 groups in 160 countries, has worked alongside WHO and UNICEF for decades and has monitored Code compliance on a regular basis.


The latest attempt of the baby food industry to deflect criticism has been to announce in June 2020 a Breastmilk Substitutes (BMS) Call to Action, issued by WHO and UNICEF and 6 NGOs and addressed to all manufacturers of BMS, that they should voluntarily commit to abide fully by the Code by 2030. . Even if companies make commitments, it would imply a further decade of manipulation. This BMS Call has not been endorsed by the WHA, so those countries whose laws are already strong may be placed in a dilemma and under pressure to weaken them. IBFAN has issued a Counter-Call (see below), denouncing the BMS Call, setting out in detail its many disadvantages, and asking WHO and UNICEF and concerned NGOs and institutions to disassociate themselves from it.


Sir Richard Jolly, former Deputy-Director of UNICEF, and Dr Peter Greaves, former nutrition adviser in New York involved in these matters, commend the IBFAN Counter-Call to all members of XUNICEF. Those who may wish to join the Counter-Call are asked to contact Dr JP Dadhich, Co-Chair of IBFAN at jpdadhich@bpni.org

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