Journal article

Violations of International Code of Breast-milk Substitutes (BMS) in commercial settings and media in Bangladesh (Sheikh S, 2022. Maternal & Child Nutrition)

31 Mar 22
Topic(s): BMS Code
Location: Bangladesh, Global
Language(s): English
Audience: Policy makers and legislators
Organization: Alive & Thrive
Programs: Policy advocacy
Category: Research

This paper assesses violations of the Code, as well as Bangladesh’s national legislation, in commercial settings in three cities using relevant NetCode protocols and World Health Assembly Resolutions. Results demonstrated higher proportions of violations in the capital of Dhaka city than in Sylhet and Chattogram cities, in product labels sold without local distributors, and on the internet compared to other forms of media. Violations were found to be prevalent throughout retail outlets both in promotion and labeling, highlighting a need for stronger Code and legislation enforcement, allocation of resources to sensitize retail stores, and increased monitoring.  Previous studies in the country have focused on health facilities, and this study fills a gap in research as promotion strategies in both retail outlets and media intensify.

 
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