Louisa Wall

Member of Parliament

New Zealand

19 May 2016

New Zealand Government plans put the world’s vulnerable children at risk

Inaccurate and dangerous claims that breastmilk substitutes will improve a child’s health and intellectual performance are putting the health of the world’s most vulnerable children at risk Ms Louisa Wall, Member of Parliament for Manurewa, says.

“Next week, the World Health Assembly (WHA) will consider a resolution related to the Guidance on Ending the Inappropriate Promotion of Foods for Infants and Young Children.  

This clarifies the inclusion of certain breastmilk substitutes (BMS) under the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (the Code) and provides guidance on ending inappropriate promotion of other foods for children from 6-36 months of age.

“Evidence from numerous countries has shown that foods are being sold as suitable for introduction before six months of age, and these substitutes are being indirectly promoted through association with commercial complementary foods.

“Inappropriate marketing of commercial complementary foods and beverages mislead and confuse caregivers about the nutrition, health, safety and age appropriateness of these products. Packaging for different milks often seeming indistinguishable, mothers and other caregivers frequently do not understand the distinctions between milk products promoted for children of different ages.

“All this is leading to the inappropriate promotion of breastmilk substitutes, some commercial complementary foods and beverages for infants and young children. This directly undermines progress in optimal infant and young child-feeding.

 “There is a danger that this resolution will not be passed and the chance to support infants and young children in this way will be missed. This resolution is currently not being supported by a number of governments who are choosing to put their commercial interests before the interests of children.

“Healthy nutrition for babies is the cornerstone of childhood development, and it must always come before commercial and corporate interests" says Ms Wall, speaking from the Women Deliver Conference in Copenhagen this week.

“As a global citizen New Zealand needs to support all efforts to improve the nutrition of our babies. If we choose to block this resolution it is a question of priorities, and we need to ensure the needs of our babies are paramount in this instance.”

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