Eklat US representatives oppose breastfeeding and breast milk

Are economic interests over the health?

Currently, American media reports an incident at the World Health Organization's May plenary meeting, which has recently come to light. According to media reports, US officials have attempted to prevent an international resolution to promote breastfeeding. All participants were shocked and stunned, as no one had expected a resistance to the often scientifically proven benefits of breastfeeding.

Behind the US attitude against breastfeeding economic interests for the promotion of baby substitute food are suspected. The WHO Resolution on the Promotion of Breastfeeding should be adopted by the Assembly. The plan provided for a quick and easy transaction. Based on decades of research into the beneficial effects of breastmilk and breastfeeding, WHO had presented a resolution aimed at promoting breastmilk and limiting inaccurate and misleading marketing of breastmilk substitutes.

Even if from a health and scientific point of view all facts speak for a long breastfeeding, there is a strong economic countermovement, which is to strengthen baby food. (Image: Vitaliy Hrabar / fotolia.com)

The US delegation turned the assembly on its head

As the New York Times and other media report, the US officials have tried to crack down on certain passages that should restrict baby food advertising. When this was unsuccessful, they suddenly threatened to force Ecuador to introduce trade restrictions and withdraw important military aid if the resolution initiated by Ecuador were not dropped. The Ecuadorian government responded initially.

We were surprised, horrified and sad

The New York Times relies on the testimony of dozens of participants from several countries involved in the meeting. "We were surprised, horrified and sad," says Patti Rundall, director of the British organization "Baby Milk Action" in a press release. This is synonymous with blackmail. In their view, for economic interests, the US seeks to overcome the nearly 40-year consensus on the best way to protect the health of infants and toddlers.

Russians prevailed

At the end of the arduous negotiations, the Russians were able to prevail. They took over the role of Ecuador and implement the measure. According to the media, there were no threats from the Americans here.

Breastfeeding is proven to be the best way to feed your baby

Time and again studies show that breast milk is the best nutrition for the baby. Mostly, however, mothers breastfeed their baby much too soon. Long breastfeeding protects children later in life against chronic inflammatory bowel disease, atopic dermatitis and asthma. In addition, breast milk provides optimal protection against infectious diseases.

WHO does not take a position

According to media reports, WHO did not take a stand in the dispute. "The exchange of opinions between different delegations will not be commented," reports WHO spokesman Tarik Jašarević. From a health point of view, the WHO strongly supports breastfeeding and recommends exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life. According to the World Health Organization, only 40 percent of all children are breastfed today. If the rate rises to 100 percent worldwide, according to WHO estimates, every year 820,000 children could be saved from death. (Vb)