Journal article

Old Tricks, New Opportunities: How Companies Violate the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes and Undermine Maternal and Child Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic (Ching, C., 2021. Int'l Journal of Environmental Research and Pub Hth)

22 Apr 21
Topic(s): BMS Code, Breastfeeding
Location: Global
Language(s): English
Audience: Policy makers and legislators, Program designers and implementers
Organization: Alive & Thrive
Programs: Strategic use of data
Category: Research

An analysis reveals that breastmilk substitutes companies are using health claims, misinformation about breastfeeding, digital marketing, and promotional tactics such as donations and services to capitalize on families’ COVID-19 fears to undermine breastfeeding and sell products. Results demonstrate a sharp increase in violations of the WHO Code of Breastmilk Substitutes during the pandemic and point to a need for awareness raising, targeted enforcement, addressing misinformation, holding social media platforms accountable, and mobilizing community monitoring.

 
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