The Forty-third World Health Assembly,
Recalling resolutions WHA33.32, WHA34.22, WHA35.26, WHA37.30, WHA39.28 and
WHA41.11 on infant and young child feeding and nutrition;
Having considered the report by the Director-General on infant and young
child nutrition;(1)
Reaffirming the unique biological properties of breastmilk in protecting
against infections, in stimulating the development of the infant's own immune
system, and in limiting the development of some allergies;
Recalling the positive impact of breastfeeding on the physical and emotional
health of the mother, including its important contribution to child-spacing;
Convinced of the importance of protecting breastfeeding among groups and
populations where it remains the infant-feeding norm, and promoting it where it
is not, through appropriate information and support, as well as recognizing the
special needs of working women;
Recognizing the key role in protecting and promoting breastfeeding played by
health workers, particularly nurses, midwives and those in child health/family
planning programs, and the significance of the counselling and support provided
by mothers' groups;
Recognizing that, in spite of resolution WHA39.28, free or low-cost
supplies of infant formula continue to be available to hospitals and
maternities, with adverse consequences for breastfeeding;
Reiterating its concern over the decreasing prevalence and duration of
breastfeeding in many countries;
1. THANKS the Director-General for his report;
2. URGES Member States:
(1) to protect and promote breastfeeding, as an essential component of
their overall food and nutrition policies and programs on behalf of women and
children, so as to enable all infants to be exclusively breastfed during the
first four to six months of life;
(2) to promote breastfeeding, with due attention to the nutritional and
emotional needs of mothers;
(3) to continue monitoring breastfeeding patterns, including traditional
attitudes and practices in this regard;
(4) to enforce existing, or adopt new, maternity protection legislation or
other suitable measures that will promote and facilitate breastfeeding among
working women;
(5) to draw the attention of all who are concerned with planning and
providing maternity services to the universal principles affirmed in the joint
WHO/UNICEF statement(2)
on breastfeeding and maternity services that was issued in 1989;
(6) to ensure that the principles and aim of the International Code of
Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and the recommendations contained in
resolution WHA39.28 are given full expression in national health and
nutritional policy and action, in cooperation with professional
associations, women's organizations, consumer and other nongovernmental
groups, and the food industry;
(7) to ensure that families make the most appropriate choice with regard to
infant feeding, and that the health system provides the necessary support;
3. REQUESTS the Director-General, in collaboration with UNICEF and other
international and bilateral agencies concerned:
(1) to urge Member States to take effective measures to implement the
recommendations included in resolution
(1) Document WHA43/1990/REC/1,
p.35
(2) Protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding:
the special role of maternity services. A joint WHO/UNICEF statement,
Geneva, World Health Organization, 1989
