130 countries to act on harmful formula milk
130 countries to take action on harmful formula milk marketing.
Geneva - 130 countries will commit to taking action on harmful industry marketing of formula milk at a global congress in Geneva from Tuesday to Thursday next week, writes Winston Mwale.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) will host the first global congress on the implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes.
During this event, 130 countries will discuss and share knowledge and strategies to end the unethical marketing of breast-milk substitutes.
The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes is a set of international rules that aim to protect breastfeeding and the health of infants and young children.
The code prohibits the marketing of breast-milk substitutes directly to consumers, and it restricts the marketing of breast-milk substitutes to health professionals.
The WHO and UNICEF have been working to implement the code for more than 30 years.
However, the code has not been fully implemented in many countries.
The global congress is an opportunity for countries to reaffirm their commitment to the code and to discuss ways to improve its implementation.
The congress will also feature a number of side events, including a breastfeeding festival, a training workshop for journalists, and a meeting of the WHO's Global Advisory Committee on Infant and Young Child Nutrition.
The congress is expected to be a major step forward in the fight against the unethical marketing of breast-milk substitutes.
By working together, countries can ensure that all babies have the best possible start in life.