SWITZERLAND —The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have hosted the inaugural Global Congress on the implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes.
Taking place from 20-22 June 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland, this important event brought together representatives from approximately 130 countries.
Their primary objective focused on the discussion and exchange of knowledge and strategies aimed at putting an end to the unethical marketing practices associated with breast-milk substitutes.
The World Health Assembly took decisive action in response to the shocking revelations exposed in The Baby Killer investigative report, which shed light on Nestle’s unethical marketing practices of formula milk in low and middle-income countries during the 1970s.
In 1981, they formulated the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (the Code), accompanied by subsequent resolutions, marking a milestone in safeguarding infant health.
However, despite the passage of more than four decades, formula milk manufacturing companies persistently violate these established principles, placing their commercial interests above the well-being of children and families.
Shockingly, the intensive marketing of infant formula remains largely unchecked, with global sales of these products now reaching a staggering US$55 billion annually.
Despite subsequent WHA resolutions repeatedly urging governments to enact, monitor, and enforce the provisions of the Code, the response has been insufficient, emphasizing the pressing need for more robust government regulations
Dr. Francesco Branca, Director of Nutrition and Food Safety at WHO, highlighted, “Over 70% of Member States have enacted legislation that incorporates at least some aspects of the Code.
“However, industries persist in expanding their range of formula milk products and employing insidious tactics to infiltrate networks and influence consumer choices. Parents have the right to receive impartial information on infant feeding, but this right is actively undermined by exploitative industry marketing.”
A significant paper published in the Lancet series sheds light on the disturbing tactics employed by misleading marketing claims.
Exploiting parental anxieties surrounding normal infant behaviors, these claims suggest that commercial milk products can alleviate fussiness, crying, colic, or even prolong night-time sleep.
The authors of the paper emphasize that with appropriate support, mothers can successfully manage these concerns through exclusive breastfeeding.
It is crucial to recognize that misleading marketing tactics prey on parental vulnerabilities, creating a false belief that formula milk products are superior to breastfeeding.
However, evidence overwhelmingly supports the fact that exclusive breastfeeding, when adequately supported, is the optimal choice for infant health and well-being.
Regulatory gaps and loopholes persist
While a majority of countries have incorporated at least some provisions of the Code into their national laws and regulations, gaps and loopholes persist, allowing violations to continue.
Most nations lack active systems to monitor marketing practices, and their enforcement provisions typically remain weak.
However, there have been notable strides in recent years as many countries have bolstered their safeguards against inappropriate marketing of breast milk substitutes.
For instance, in 2022, the Government of Kenya actively fought against lobbying efforts from food manufacturers, developing regulations and establishing a monitoring system to identify and address violations of the law.
To advocate for the implementation of the Code, WHO, UNICEF, and civil society partner organizations have collaborated to develop a range of tools.
These tools aim to document the extent of formula milk marketing, evaluate existing laws, establish monitoring systems, and strengthen enforcement of the Code.
Additionally, they seek to enhance parents’ access to unbiased information on infant feeding and nutrition, free from commercial influence.
The Global Congress on the implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes represents a crucial opportunity to address the persistent challenges associated with unethical marketing practices.
For all the latest healthcare industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, and YouTube Channel, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook.
