Supporting breastfeeding: what governments and health workers can do--European experiences

The International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes provides health workers with a framework for action in breastfeeding promotion. Countries are to report their efforts to the World Health Organization (WHO). The European Regional WHO Office finds a diversity of practices within its countries. Therefore in 1986, they convened a meeting of health workers' organizations to draw up a strategy for implementation. This paper outlines the elements in the strategy, the reasons why some countries have seen increases in breastfeeding, and the possible ways international organizations can help.