Thread by @WHO

Misleading claims from formula companies can confuse parents, often undermine #breastfeeding

The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes bit.ly/2VhRbHz

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes with @DrTedros and @unicefchief

🗓️ TODAY
🕑 14h00-15h30 CEST

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#breastfeeding

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1395703593999732736

Parents can get biased advice on #breastfeeding when medical training is paid by formula companies.

The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes bit.ly/2VhRbHz

Formula companies build relationships and trust with mothers to change their decisions on how to feed their babies.

The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes bit.ly/2VhRbHz

Free samples and subtle advertisements in hospitals and doctors clinics undermine #breastfeeding.

The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes bit.ly/2VhRbHz

Government should enforce laws so that parents are not targeted with aggressive and misleading marketing for formula milk.

The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes bit.ly/2VhRbHz

Q: What is Intl Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes aka the Code?
A: A landmark policy framework designed to stop commercial interests from damaging #breastfeeding rates and endangering the health and nutrition of infants and young children.
bit.ly/3ytW67U

Since 1981, the World Health Assembly has tried to stop the aggressive marketing tactics the baby food industry uses to promote formula feeding over #breastfeeding bit.ly/3ytW67U

#Breastfeeding is vital to a child’s lifelong nutrition, health & wellbeing.
Breastfeeding protects children from infections and saves lives. It supports emotional bonding between mothers & babies, along with other mental health benefits bit.ly/3ytW67U

#Breastfeeding reduces costs for families, health facilities & governments bit.ly/3ytW67U

40 years later, the majority of countries have enacted legislation to implement at least some provisions of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. But unfortunately, only 25 countries have implemented measures that are substantially aligned with the Code.

The Intl Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes remains as relevant today as it was 40 years ago.
Last year, some marketers of baby foods exploited the #COVID19 pandemic to promote their products by invoking unfounded fears that #breastfeeding could transmit COVID-19.