Does the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (the Code) ban all free and low cost supplies of infant formula and other breastmilk substitutes?
A1. Yes, in almost all cases. Reading together the International Code and World Health Assembly Resolution 39.28, free or subsidized supplies are permitted for feeding orphaned and abandoned children, and for babies with certain rare disorders. All other breastmilk substitutes should be obtained through “normal procurement channels” so as not to interfere with the protection and promotion of breastfeeding. Procurement generally means purchase. Q2. Should free supplies be donated for pre-term and low birth weight infants? Some argue that these infants need early supplementation and therefore free supplies should be permitted. A2. No. Breastmilk is the medically indicated feeding of choice for almost all pre-term and low birth weight babies.(Reference 1) Obtaining free supplies for these babies encourages bottle (artificial) feeding, which further threatens their survival and healthy development. Moreover, once free supplies are available in postpartum wards and nurseries, it is extremel
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