Manufacturers violate breast milk substitutes code in west Africa

Manufacturers of breast milk substitutes are violating the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, which affirms the importance of breastfeeding for child health and development. Aguayo and colleagues (p 127) conducted a multisite cross sectional study in Togo and Burkina Faso, west Africa. They surveyed health facilities, sales outlets, distribution points, health providers, and mothers and found many had received donations of breast milk substitutes or promotional gifts from manufacturers. Forty commercial breast milk substitutes violated the labelling standards of the code. As discussed in an editorial by Waterson (p 113), the findings highlight the obligation of governments to ensure that national legislation and policies are accompanied by adequate training, information, education, and monitoring systems.

(Credit: CAROLINE PENN/PANOS)

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