Promotion of Baby Formula Threatens Progress on Child Nutrition

Phnom Penh - May 07, 2014: Civil society and UN agencies in Cambodia today issued a joint statement to make parents aware that breast milk substitutes, like baby formula, is not the best option for their children’s health and calling for improved commercial adherence to Sub-Decree 133 regulating the promotion of breast milk substitutes.

UNICEF, the World Health Organization, World Vision International Cambodia, Helen Keller International Cambodia and Save the Children Cambodia are expressing concern that breast milk substitute companies are ignoring the good legislation established by the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) designed to protect the health and nutrition of newborns and children. Sub-decree 133 was issued in 2005 to ensure that companies do not use misleading or inaccurate marketing or labels that can confuse parents and caregivers.

According to civil society actors in Cambodia, improved exclusive breastfeeding in Cambodia has led to falling child mortality rates. However up to 40 per cent of Cambodian children remain undernourished and misleading marketing and use of breast milk substitutes, including baby formula, may prevent and limit further progress.

“The healthiest choice for your newborn is to exclusively breastfeed them for the first 6 months of their life, and then gradually introduce other nutritious food while continuing to breastfeed until age 2 or beyond,” said Rana Flowers, Representative of UNICEF, one of the signatories to the joint statement.

“There are a staggering 113 different breast milk substitutes available on the market in Phnom Penh alone, and so far we have not found any that adhere entirely to the government’s good legislation,” said Mr Hou Kroeun, Program Manager at Helen Keller International Cambodia.

“This is a real challenge for mothers, fathers and caregivers who are trying to make positive choices for their newborns, but are confused by misleading messages and promises made by baby feeding companies. A quick visit to any supermarket in Phnom Penh shows just how prevalent the issue is,” said Hou Kroeun.

The first 1000 days of a child’s life (from pregnancy until age 2) is a critical window in a child’s health. Poor nutrition during this period can have long term and irreversible effects on children, impacting both their physical and mental development and growth.

On the eve of the 67th World Health Assembly between 19 and 24 May, 2014, where infant and young child feeding will be in the spotlight, the joint statement is calling on the Royal Government of Cambodia to take steps to improve commercial adherence to Sub-Decree 133.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Denise Shepherd Johnson                                                                                                     Chief of Communication, UNICEF Cambodia                                                                           Mobile: +855 (0)92 555 294 or dshepherdjohnson@unicef.org

Tet Chann                                                                                                                             Advocacy Coordinator, World Vision                                                                                       Mobile: +855 (0)92 932 966 or chann_tet@wvi.org

Suong Soksophea                                                                                                                 Advocacy Advisor, Save the Children                                                                                       Mobile: +855 (0)12 712 609 or soksophea.suong@savethechildren.org