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ISDI Statement for the WHO Executive Board 2008 Infant and young child nutrition: Biennial Progress Report (EB122/29 Add.1)

The International Special Dietary Foods Industries (ISDI) thanks the Chair for this opportunity to address the distinguished members of the WHO Executive Board. In particular, ISDI commends the WHO on its ongoing efforts to achieve the objectives of the Global Strategy on Infant and Young Child Feeding and its support for the Millennium Development Goals of reducing child malnutrition and mortality.

IFM representing the infant food industry is proud to play its part in supporting WHO strategies. Industry-sponsored research has contributed much of the current knowledge about the nutritional needs of infants and young children as well as the qualities and benefits of breast milk. Formula for special medical purposes has improved the survival rates of infants suffering from medical disorders. Iron fortified formula has significantly reduced the incidence of iron deficiency anaemia.

It is noted that infant formula has replaced the use of such dangerous breast-milk substitutes as sugar water, whole cow's milk or rice water, with a consequent improvement in infant health. The use of inappropriate substitutes, with failure to exclusively breastfeed during an infant's first six months of life, are major contributing causes of malnutrition and mortality.

No other breast-milk substitute is as safe as infant formula that is manufactured according to Codex standards and national legislation, and prepared following the manufacturer's instructions. Infant formula is the only nutritionally complete substitute for breast-milk. WHO recognises that infant formula plays an important and constructive role when an infant cannot be breastfed.

Processed complementary foods also offer safety, convenience, and the nutritionally- balanced nutrients needed by infants and young children. Local production also makes processed foods more affordable for low-income families.

IFM believes multi-sector cooperation is essential to optimising infant and young child feeding practices and improving their health. IFM sponsored a PAHO initiative on research for improving infant and young child feeding. IFM has also sponsored scientific and policy discussions for WHA delegates in each of the past 2 years.

In closing, we take this occasion to reaffirm the infant food industry's commitment to the primary aims of the International Code: to contribute to the provision of safe and adequate nutrition by protecting and promoting breastfeeding, and by ensuring the proper use of breast-milk substitutes when their use is necessary. At the 25th Anniversary of the International Code, WHO recognized the contribution of industry in furthering the implementation of the Code. IFM members welcome opportunities to cooperate with governments and the WHO in ensuring effective implementation of the Code.

Thank you, Chair.

08/23 (23/01/2008)

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