The International BabyFood Action Network (IBFAN) was founded on 12 October 1979, on the final day of the WHO/UNICEF Joint Meeting on Infant and Young Child Feeding, by six international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This was in direct response to the recommendations of the Joint Meeting to develop and monitor “an International Code of Marketing of Infant Formula and other products used as Breastmilk Substitutes”.The recommendations of the Joint Meeting form the basis of IBFANs mandate, namely, the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding in the health care system, communities and at the workplace; monitoring the appropriate marketing and distribution of breastmilk substitutes and complimentary foods; and promotion and support of timely complementary feeding practices using adequate local food resources.

Objectives:

• Raise awareness of the existence and need for the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes among health workers and policy makers, and advocate for the development, implementation and monitoring of national legislation on the Code and resolutions.
• Encourage community development in order to enable all women to breastfeed optimally.
• Provide support and resources to organisations and groups working on infant feeding and women’s health.
• Assist governments in realising their responsibilities under the UN Conventions, including the Convention of the Rights of the Child, the CEDAW and the ILO as they relate to the right of women and children to optimal health and nutrition.

IBFAN and the Code

The International Code of marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes was adopted by the World Health Assembly (WHA) in 1981 as an international recommendation and a minimum universal requirement to protect the health of infants and young children. IBFAN’s work is to help translate the Code and other relevant WHA resolutions into enforceable national legislation.