Thursday, December 07, 2006 City Council to support breastfeeding campaign
THE City Council through Councilor Pilar Braga has vowed to stand firm against multinational groups lobbying against the breastfeeding,manifesting its full support to the government moves to implement the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (RIRR) of the Milk Code of the Philippines.
Braga, in an interview Wednesday, said the rules prohibit and regulate the marketing of infant formula up to three years of age instead of the standard 2 years.
This is met by opposition from multi-national companies who manufacture milk and other infant supplements and who will lose billions in profit when they lose the 2-3 year old market.
Braga added that the people must know of the importance of breastfeeding aside from the natural health benefits it can give to the infant. Studies have shown that as the "colostrum" in breastmilk strengthens the immune system of the infant, it is also the safest means of family planning.
Scientific proof have shown that the hormones that provide breastmilk also lessens the possibility of pregnancy thus ensuring that while the mother is breastfeeding, she will not be bearing another child.
By breastfeeding until the child is three years old, the reproductive health of the mother will be ensured.
The Department of Health, Braga said, have found interesting facts that show that the rich sector who have the means to buy expensive formulas peddled by the multi-nationals are the ones breastfeeding while those in the middle class and the poor sector are the ones buying the formulas.
A sad fact that will be addressed accordingly through the implementation of the rules and regulations.
Braga said the the people should have access to this information especially those who have an infant family member and who are having difficulty making ends meet since breast milk is free and will flow as long as it is consumed.
She suggested that instead of buying expensive formulas, they can buy healthy and nutritious food for the whole family thus ensuring the health of everyone, not just the infant.
Milk lobby groups based in the US have been pressuring the government to suspend the implementing rules, but Health Secretary Alejandro Duque has committed to push through with the breastfeeding campaign, insisting this is still best for babies. (GLP)
