Situation Analysis

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimation reveals that around the world annually around 1.5 million infants die due to not being breastfed. And where water is unsafe a bottle-fed child is up to 25 times more likely to die as a result of diarrhea than a breastfed child. The Lancet’s Child Survival Series drew attention to the unacceptably high rates of child mortality that continue in low-income countries and poor areas of middle income countries. If 90% of infants  were exclusively breastfed at 0–5 months and continued to be breastfed from 6 months to 11 months, there would be an estimated 13% reduction in child deaths worldwide. That is why a marketing code was introduced in 1981 to regulate the marketing of breast milk substitutes. But as a matter of surprise a recent monitoring report (Global Monitoring Report; International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN); November 2007) shows that BMS production companies continue to violate the International Code and Resolutions in a systematic and institutionalized way. It not only promotes infant formula, but the labels on the ‘New Improved’ products it is advertising, contain idealizing claims that violate Article 9 of the Code.

As a member of LDC, in Bangladesh the initiation of breast milk within one hour was 24% in 2004, which was 17% in 1999-2000. And the rate of exclusive breastfeeding rate among less than six months children’s was 42% in 2004 and 43% in 2007. From the data it is evident that this rate has been stagnant for last one decade. According to WHO estimation in Bangladesh one lac and 20 thousand newborn dies every year; where as initiation of breastfeeding within one hour can save 37000 newborn and another 15000 under five children lives; reducing 20.3% of under five mortality to achieve the MDG-4.

Bangladesh has the largest donor funded nation wide project under HNPSP, named as NNP; where breastfeeding has an integral part. Apart from NNP there are government agencies like IPHN and autonomous bodies like BBF who plays important role in promotion, protection and support breastfeeding and complementary feeding in Bangladesh. Moreover almost all implementing agencies, INGOs and development partners have IYCF in their project as an integral part. In spite of all these efforts and agencies work the stagnant rate proves that there might be some gaps in project implementation and reaching the people in need. Some of gaps which might affect the rate of IYCF are: Lack of standard monitoring system and implementing of 10 steps in hospitals through Baby Friendly hospital committee, Lack of comprehensive training programmes on IYCF for Health and Nutrition Care providers, Insufficient maternity leave, No national advocacy throughout the year, Awareness building of the law is not adequately  addressed for professional groups, policy planners, law enforcement agency and general public and No regular and systematic Market or Hospital monitoring frame work for violation of code is in operation. Lessons from countries situated in Africa and Latin America proves that Partnerships and developing forum mechanisms works to ensure the extent possible to bring together a diverse group of nutrition stakeholders to harmonize nutrition messages and field approaches and to develop materials. From the outset, these forums can be involved in reviewing and interpreting formative research, developing key messages, pre-testing materials, co-facilitating training sessions, and monitoring and evaluating activities.

BIPF and Eminence

With an object to create a platform to ensure the participation of CSO members, key stakeholders, IYFC promotion workers, activists, media and mass communication workers and to create awareness among community people for improvement of breastfeeding and complementary feeding status as well as inhibit use of baby milk substitute in Bangladesh. BIPF includes representatives from CSOs, key stakeholders, IYFC promotion workers, activists, media and mass communication workers who works together to ensure awareness among community people for improvement of breastfeeding and complementary feeding status as well as inhibit use of baby milk substitute in Bangladesh through a knowledge and evidence based advocacy activities.

The 1st general meeting of Breastfeeding and IYCF Promotion Forum (BIPF) was held on December 30, 2009 with the members of BIPF at Meeting Room: 1, IDB Bhaban. Participants at this meeting discussed on issues such as the status and strategies of breast milk substitute (BMS) companies, evidence based IYCF, the strategies for action against BMS companies, responsibilities of different organizations for action and future action plan for BIPF etc.