Legislation to protect breast feeding

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Health Policy

Background:

• The International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes was adopted by the World Health Assembly in 1981.
• Papua New Guinea enacted legislation to regulate feeding bottles in 1977, predating the international code.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of Papua New Guinea's early legislation on infant feeding practices and health outcomes.
• To assess the effectiveness of feeding bottle regulations in reducing infant morbidity and mortality.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of health data from Port Moresby following the implementation of feeding bottle legislation.
• Comparison of infant health indicators before and after the legislation's enactment.

Main Results:

• The legislation significantly reduced infant bottle feeding in Port Moresby.
• A notable decrease in severe malnutrition, diarrheal diseases, and infant deaths was observed.
• The success was attributed to favorable local conditions, necessitating ongoing monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Early national legislation controlling feeding bottles can be highly effective in improving infant health.
• Sustained public health gains require continuous effort and adaptation of regulatory measures.
• The Papua New Guinea experience provides a model for other nations considering similar public health interventions.