At a one-day sensitisation meeting on the International Code of Breast Milk Substitute (BMS) and National Regulations on infant formula, Mr Nantim Mullah, Deputy Director, NAFDAC, Kaduna Zonal Office has warned health workers promoting Breast Milk Substitute (BMS) and other infant formulas in health centres.
He warns that those health workers will be prosecuted.
According to NAN, the sensitisation was organised by SCI in partnership with the Kaduna State Ministry of Health and NAFDAC.
“The Code and the infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) marketing regulations directed manufacturers and markers of BMS not to provide free products or samples of BMS to families, through health workers or health facilities.
“They also warned against donation, acceptance or distribution of equipment or services to health facilities, gifts or incentives to health care staff as well as the use of health facilities to host events, contests, or marketing.
“The MBS Code equally warned against creating awareness directly or indirectly to parents and caregivers, on infant formula in health facilities by BMS manufacturing companies,” he said.
He explained that inappropriate Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices contribute to high child morbidity and mortality recorded in Nigeria.
As a deterrent, he said that any health worker that contravenes any provision of the Code and Regulations will be charged under the relevant regulations of NAFDAC pertaining to food and food products.
“The Code will be fully enforced with appropriate sanctions for violators as ignorance of the law is not an excuse for its violation.”
Also present at the event was Mr Isah Ibrahim, SCI Nutrition Advocacy Advisor, who said that similar sensitisation was held for health workers in Kaduna North and Kaduna Central Senatorial Zones to create the needed awareness against promoting BMS.
Ibrahim urged health workers to promote optimal exclusive breastfeeding.
