Journal article

Mothers' and health workers' exposure to breastmilk substitutes promotions in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (Emerson, J., 2021. Maternal & Child Nutrition)

15 Jun 21
Topic(s): BMS Code, Research
Location: West Africa
Language(s): English
Audience: Policy makers and legislators
Programs: Policy advocacy
Category: Monitoring and reporting, Research

This study used the WHO’s NetCode protocol to examine the prevalence and nature of exposure to breastmilk substitutes (BMS) promotions among mothers of children 0–23 months in health facilities in Abidjan. Results revealed that 43% of mothers had been advised to feed their infants BMS products in the past 6 months, while 66% of mothers had seen promotions outside of facilities. Among health workers, 63% were contacted by BMS companies, and only 8% were familiar with the International Code of Marketing of BMS. These findings reveal gaps in the breastfeeding protection landscape in Côte d'Ivoire’s health facilities; steps forward include health worker education on the International Code and national regulations, monitoring violations, and promoting breastfeeding among mothers and families.  This study used the WHO’s NetCode protocol to examine the prevalence and nature of exposure to breastmilk substitutes (BMS) promotions among mothers of children 0–23 months in health facilities in Abidjan. Results revealed that 43% of mothers had been advised to feed their infants BMS products in the past 6 months, while 66% of mothers had seen promotions outside of facilities. Among health workers, 63% were contacted by BMS companies, and only 8% were familiar with the International Code of Marketing of BMS. These findings reveal gaps in the breastfeeding protection landscape in Côte d'Ivoire’s health facilities; steps forward include health worker education on the International Code and national regulations, monitoring violations, and promoting breastfeeding among mothers and families.  

 
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