Breast Milk Substitute Donations Discouraged in Emergencies

Cagayan De Oro City (PIA) – Local breast milk advocates remind the public of the milk code provision which specifically prohibits donation of breast milk substitutes, including infant formula and milk supplements’ even during emergencies.

This was reiterated by the National Nutrition Council during the conduct of the Nutrition in Emergencies (NiE) training workshop held in Cagayan de Oro city on 19-23 October 2015.

DOH NiE manual cites infants and children as among the most vulnerable victims of natural or human-induced emergencies, and that interrupted breastfeeding, and inappropriate complementary feeding heighten the risk to malnutrition, illness and mortality.

To prevent this, the nutrition cluster is tasked to institute immediate intervention during emergencies by providing adequate breastfeeding supplements, support to malnourished mothers/children, and other appropriate health services.

The Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) local support group will likewise be deployed to establish lactation rooms/corners, ensuring easy and secure access for caregivers to water and sanitation facilities.

Basic support in stimulating breast to continue producing milk, expressing milk by hand, breastfeeding supplementation, as well as, breast milk stimulation technique for female volunteers will be extended.

Infants who have never been breastfed or stopped breastfeeding would always be considered to try breastfeeding or relactation especially when resources to safely managed artificial feeding are limited.

NNC noted that uncontrolled distribution of breast milk substitute in evacuation centers can lead to early and unnecessary cessation of breastfeeding.

Meanwhile, children aging six months above especially those identified as moderately and severely undernourished are given ready to use therapeutic foods (RUTF), Fortified Blended Foods (FBFs) and micronutrient powders. (JCV/PIA)