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. -=-