Baby Milk: Destruction of a World Resource - August 1993

More than a million babies die unnecessarily each year. Their deaths could be prevented by the oldest, most economic and effective health protection of all: breastfeeding. 

Breastfeeding is declining in the South and North. This Comment asks why. It explains the biological facts of breastfeeding, traces the origins and growth of a $7 billion a year global industry in manufactured baby foods, and questions medical practices that fail to endorse breastfeeding.

In 1981 the World Health Assembly adopted to International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes to protect mothers and babies from aggressive industry practices. This code is continually flouted and obstructed. The Comment raises challenging questions about the responsibilities of Northern governments, international agencies and non-governmental organisations.

Baby Milk: Destruction of a World Resource sheds light on an issue that deserves maximum public, political and media attention.

1993 ISBN: 1 85287 117 2
36pp