Table 2 Subsequent WHA resolutions and OG-IFE articles relevant to commercial milk formula donations in emergency context

WHA 63.23 (2010)

URGES Member States to ensure that national and international preparedness plans and emergency responses follow the evidence-based Operational Guidance for Emergency Relief Staff and Programme Managers (OG-IFE) on infant and young child feeding in emergencies:

protection, promotion and support for optimal breastfeeding, and the need to minimize the risks of artificial feeding

ensuring that any required breastmilk substitutes are purchased, distributed and used according to strict criteria.

OG-IFE (endorsed by WHA 63.23)

3.5: IYCF-E coordination responsibility includes mitigation and management of risks “including prevention and management of donations of BMS, milk products, complementary foods, donor human milk and feeding equipment”

5.28: “Do not send or accept donations of complementary foods in an emergency.”

6.1 “Do not donate or accept donations of BMS, other milk products or feeding equipment (including bottles, teats and breast pumps) in emergencies.”

6.25 “BMS, other milk products, bottles and teats should not be included in a general or blanket distribution”

WHA65.60/2012

URGES Member States to put into practice, as appropriate, the comprehensive implementation plan on maternal, infant and young child nutrition, including: … establishing a dialogue with relevant national and international parties and forming alliances and partnerships to expand nutrition actions with the establishment of adequate mechanisms to safeguard against potential conflicts of interest

WHA61.20/2008

URGES Member States: (1) to strengthen implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and subsequent relevant Health Assembly resolutions by scaling up efforts to monitor and enforce national measures in order to protect breastfeeding while keeping in mind the Health Assembly resolutions to avoid conflicts of interest

WHA49.15/1996

URGES Member States to take the following measures:

to ensure that the financial support for professionals working in infant and young child health does not create conflicts of interest, especially with regard to the WHO/UNICE F Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative

WHA47.5(1994)

Confirms that free and subsidized infant formula should not be used in health care system & includes guidelines for donations in emergencies

WHA45.34(1992)

Calls on member nations to end discounted or donated supplies of BMS

WHA43.3(1990)

Recognizing that, in spite of resolution WHA39.28, free or low-cost supplies of infant formula continue to be available to hospitals and maternities, with adverse consequences to breastfeeding

WHA39.28/1986

Instructs that infant formula needed should not be procured through subsidized or free supplies