|
The International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (WHO Code) was adopted by the World Health Assembly in May 1981. Its aim is to contribute to the provision of safe and adequate nutrition for infants by the protection and promotion of breast-feeding, and by ensuring the proper use of breast-milk substitutes when needed. The Code calls on governments to take appropriate action to implement its principles and aim, and to monitor its application in cooperation with all concerned, including manufacturers. Manufacturers are also expected to monitor their own marketing practices, while third parties are given the responsibility to inform manufacturers and governments of practices which do not comply with the Code.
If the Code is to be effectual, it must be monitored fairly and effectively. While non-governmental organisations may (and should) cooperate with governments in this task, they must not be allowed to bypass the authorities or create arbitrary definitions corresponding to their own particular agendas. Monitoring MUST be under the control of the Health Authorities. If the objective is to improve implementation of the Code, infant formula manufacturers must be fully involved in the monitoring process and in the ongoing dialogue aimed at resolving implementation problems. Unfortunately, this is the case in very few countries.
A WHO document submitted to the 101st session of the WHO Executive Board confirms the measures needed to ensure proper enforcement of the Code:
"WHO urges that national measures adopted to give effect to the International Code include clear definitions that are communicated to and understood by all parties, transparent monitoring and reporting procedures to determine whether alleged violations contravene national measures, and a monitoring authority established under government responsibility."
IFM strongly supports this WHO recommendation and devotes considerable effort to encouraging governments to take such action. Until now, these efforts have met with relatively little success. In fact, some NGOs have attempted to impose both their own interpretations of the Code and monitoring procedures that ignore the basic requirements of transparency and dialogue. These actions have led to confusion and confrontation but not to improved Code implementation.
IFM is pleased to note that an increasing number of governments are encouraging dialogue among concerned parties aimed at resolving problems of Code implementation. In all cases, IFM is committed to providing full cooperation with each government in implementing the aim and principles of the WHO International Code.
EB101/INF.DOC./4 Implementation of resolutions and decisions: Infant and young child nutrition.
(98/129)
|
