*Inappropriate Infant and Young Child Feeding practices contribute to high child morbidity, mortality in Nigeria 鈹�Deputy Director of NAFDAC

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

In line with the relevant provisions in the healthcare Code and National Regulations of Nigeria, the National Agency for Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said that it will prosecute any healthcare workers found promoting Breast Milk Substitute (BMS) and other infant formula in health centres around the country.

Mr. Nantim Mullah, Deputy Director of NAFDAC, Kaduna Zonal Office, issued the warning in Kaduna Thursday, September 24 during a day’s sensitisation meeting on the International Code of BMS and National Regulations on infant formula.

Agency report says SCI organised the sensitisation programme for health workers from Kaduna South Senatorial Zone, in partnership with the Kaduna State Ministry of Health and NAFDAC.

Mullah explained that the International Code for Marketing of BMS, World Health Assembly Resolutions and National Regulations frowns on advertisement of BMS in health facilities.

The NAFDAC Deputy Director stated: 鈥淭he Code and the IYCF marketing regulations directed manufacturers and marketers of BMS not to provide free products, or samples of BMS to families, through health workers or health facilities.

鈥淭hey also warned against donation, acceptance or distribution of equipment or services to health facilities, gifts or incentives to health care staff as well as use of health facilities to host events, contests, or marketing.

鈥淭he MBS Code equally warned against creating awareness directly or indirectly to parents and caregivers, on infant formula in health facilities by BMS manufacturing companies.鈥�

Mullah stressed that the Code and National Regulations were designed to end inappropriate promotion of BMS and other infants鈥� formula.

In spite of the provisions, health facilities in Kaduna State had continued to allow promoters of BMS products to sell on their premises, he alleged.

He warned that any health worker that contravenes any provision of the Code and Regulations will be charged under the relevant regulations of NAFDAC pertaining to food and food products.

鈥淭his is because inappropriate Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices contribute to the high child morbidity and mortality being recorded in the country.

The BMS Code must, thus, be implemented in its entirety to protect, promote and support optimal IYCF for child survival, health, growth and development.

鈥淭he Code will be fully enforced with appropriate sanctions for violators as ignorance of the law is not an excuse for its violation,” stated he.

Mr. Isah Ibrahim, SCI Nutrition Advocacy Advisor, said that similar sensitisation was held for health workers in Kaduna North and Kaduna Central Senatorial Zones to create the needed awareness against promoting BMS.

Ibrahim urged the health workers to promote optimal exclusive breastfeeding which provides infants with all the nutrients required for healthy growth and development.