Health ministry reaffirms support for breastfeeding

The government has reiterated its commitment to breastfeeding, in line with the International Code on Breastmilk Substitutes, and vowed to do more to promote breastfeeding across the country.
Deputy Minister of Health Dr Snong Thongsna made the pledge at the marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes (BMS) Global Congress convened at the World Health Organisation Headquarters (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland, recently.

Dr Snong Thongsna (right) outlines the government’s support for breastfeeding at a global congress in Geneva, Switzerland.

The promotion and support of breastfeeding are key components of the Lao government’s commitment under the National Nutrition Strategy and National Plan of Action on Nutrition for 2021-2025.
The government has also drawn up the Decree on Food Products and Equipment for Infants and Toddlers, to prevent breast milk substitute marketing violations. 
Health authorities say that only 1 in 4 children in Laos are fed breast milk continuously, even though the government encourages mothers to give their babies only breast milk from birth to the first six months of life.
However, the WHO’s advice is for infants to eat other safe and nutritious foods when the child is six months old but to continue to have breast milk until at least the age of two.
Breast milk is the first and most complete food for babies, Dr Snong said, providing them with essential nutrients to ensure their healthy growth, protect them from illness, and give them the best start in life.
But many parents are opting for bottle-fed milk substitute products because of the pressure from aggressive marketing, which could threaten progress made in Laos to promote breastfeeding, he said.
“Our participation in this global congress is an occasion for us to re-emphasise our commitment to control the marketing of breast milk substitute products so that breastfeeding in Laos can thrive,” he added.
 “With their support, we have now completed the training of inspectors in all 18 provinces to monitor violations at the retail level.”
The European Union remains committed to support the Lao government and partners in implementing and monitoring violations of BMS legislation across different channels.
Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Laos, Ms Ina Marčiulionytė, said “We believe that by actively enforcing the BMS decree, significant changes on breastfeeding practices will be achieved and that the Lao government will meet its national breastfeeding target.” 
UNICEF Representative to Laos, Dr Pia Rebello Britto, said “I advocate for breastfeeding. Because not only is it a complete food, it’s also the start of that most beautiful relationship of love, bonding and attachment between a mother and her child.” 

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update August 3, 2023)