Ban on free distribution of baby food in affected areas
Amid the relief work, the Nepalese government has warned against untargeted distribution of breast milk substitutes and infant formula in the quake-hit areas of the country. It has designated a public health administrator as the nodal point to report any such unsolicited distribution, especially of breast milk substitutes, and has debarred free distribution or advertisement of these products.
“During an emergency situation, infant formula and other milk products are often distributed to feed young children without proper assessment of their needs, which endangers their lives. In accordance with internationally accepted guidelines, there should be no donation or distribution of breast milk substitutes for children upto two years of age,” the statement issued jointly by government of Nepal and UNICEF read.
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The pushing of breast milk substitutes in emergency situations is a worldwide phenomenon and is viewed by nutrition experts as one of the ploys to get children off breast milk and into artificial substitutes. The statement expressed the apprehension that should these products be made freely available, mothers may switch to this baby food, exposing infants to infections, especially at a time when water is scarce and diarrhoea fears are looming large.
Source:: Indian Express
