unitex@rubbs.fidonet.org (unitex) (09/16/89)
GLOBAL FORUM ON INFANT FEEDING - NEWSWIRE 1040 Posting Date: 09/14/89 Source: UNITEX Network, Hoboken, NJ, USA The International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN)- a network of health and consumer groups - marks its 10th anniversary this year with a global forum on infant feeding, bringing together some 300 health activists, community leaders, NGOs, experts and consumers. The gathering in Manila next month will be opened by Philippine President Corazon Aquino. Guest speakers include UNICEF Executive Director James P. Grant, the Minister of Health and the Secretary of Social Welfare of the Philippines, and Anwar Fazal, former President of the International Organization of Consumers Unions. "In theory, everyone agrees that breastfeeding is best feeding," said Annelies Allain of IBFAN. "But in practice, it means more fighting, more boycotting, more changes in hospital routines, and today we are stronger ever to continue the struggle," she said. Despite the adoption by the World Health Assembly of the WHO/UNICEF Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes in 1981, and Nestle's agreement to comply with the code that ended the boycott in 1984, IBFAN reports that free infant formulas continue to be supplied in hospitals and maternity wards in over 20 countries, particularly in Africa and Asia. The conference aims to intensify the battle against artificial feeding and to promote breastfeeding - a practice that is still popular among very isolated rural poor in Third World countries. Scientists have proven that breastmilk not only protects infants against disease and allergy, but also creates a special bond between mother and baby. Source: IBFAN * Origin: UNITEX --> Toward a United Species (1:107/501) --- Patt Haring | UNITEX : United Nations patth@sci.ccny.cuny.edu | Information patth@ccnysci.BITNET | Transfer Exchange -=- Every child smiles in the same language. -=-