WABA Statement to the 2nd International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2)
The 2nd International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2) will take place 19-21 November 2014, in Rome, Italy. The conference will convene high-level government officials and stakeholders with the overall goal of improving diets and raising nutrition levels through policies that more effectively address today’s major nutrition challenges.
The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) has crafted a Statement with Call for Action to position breastfeeding as a crucial part of the nutrition debate. The WABA Statement to ICN2 asserts that the Protection, Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding is a human right, and is a vital component of any concrete response that governments and relevant UN agencies intend to take in tackling the critical problems facing countries on nutrition.
WABA also encourages you to share this Statement widely within your networks, with partner NGOs/CSOs, and with your government contacts!
The Statement has already been endorsed by WABA Core Partners and Allies:Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA), La Leche League International (LLLI), Wellstart International; the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute (CGBI - University of North Carolina), and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM).
WABA invites YOUR Organisation to endorse and sign-on to this Statement -
PLEASE reply by 7 November 2014!
Second International Conference on Nutrition 19-21 November 2014
Statement from the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA)
Endorsed by ABM, IBFAN, ILCA, LLLI and Wellstart; and CGBI
Preamble:
The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) recognises that the scope of the 2nd International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2) aims to respond to nutrition challenges especially in developing countries. The focus on all forms of malnutrition, the nutrition transition and the need to improve nutrition throughout the life cycle are timely. WABA believes that focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable households; and on women, infants and young children in deprived, vulnerable and emergency contexts is critical. In light of development of the Post 2015 agenda, WABA asserts that the Protection, Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding as a human right, is a vital component of any concrete response.
Yet in most countries breastfeeding is neglected, known supportive interventions are under-resourced and aggressive marketing of breastmilk substitutes in violation of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and subsequent relevant WHA resolutions continues unchecked. Most women want to breastfeed, but many find they cannot as social, cultural and economic barriers to the establishment of successful and sustained breastfeeding interfere. ICN2 has an opportunity and a responsibility to ensure that the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding become universally endorsed as public health policy, and implemented as the foundation of good nutrition and healthy child development in all populations.
