Press Centre
Distribution of Formula Milk Samples in Hong Kong Hospital Violates the WHO/UNICEF“International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes”Breastfeeding advocacy organizations urge the Hong Kong Government to implement the Code
HONG KONG (30 October 2009) – UNICEF
Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Hong Kong Association (BFHIHKA) and
Hong Kong Breastfeeding Mothers’ Association held a joint press
conference today regarding the recent free distribution of the wrong
type of formula milk samples by Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital. As a
result, the Department of Health called on the hospital to stop
distributing formula milk samples. This incident reflects that the
practice of private hospitals distributing formula milk samples on
behalf of manufacturers may be rampant, violating the “International
Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes” (the Code) developed by
the WHO and UNICEF in 1981. Such practice is an improper use of
breastmilk substitutes. Both breastfeeding advocacy organizations urge the Hong Kong Government to implement the Code. The
aim of the Code is to protect and promote breastfeeding through the
provision of adequate information and the adoption of appropriate
marketing and distribution practices. This ensures infants are provided
with safe and adequate nutrition and the proper use of breastmilk
substitutes if necessary. Unfortunately, the Hong Kong government has not implemented the Code through adopting it into local legislation. Manufacturers
and distributors are able to distribute free formula milk samples
through private hospitals as a means of promotion, creating an
environment detrimental to breastfeeding Dr. Patricia Ip, Chairman of BFHIHKA, reported that 30 countries have implemented most of the Code provisions as law, but Hong Kong only voluntarily adheres to some
provisions. Recently, to avoid violation of the Code, the Hospital
Authority has invited tenders to supply milk formulae to public
hospitals. In the near future, acceptance of donations of formula to
public hospitals will be discontinued. “Implementing
the Code provisions as law is the only effective way to prohibit
manufacturers distributing formula milk samples in hospitals and to
comply with the Code (and all subsequent relevant World Health Assembly resolutions),” said Dr. Ip. Ms. Millie Wong, Chairlady of the Hong
Kong Breastfeeding Mothers’ Association, pointed out that, since the
Code has not been implemented as law in Hong Kong, formula milk
manufacturers and distributors are able to use all kinds of promotion
tactics, including recruiting mothers-to-be and new mothers into their
mothers’ club or baby club to promote formula milk, or distributing
free samples or gifts to healthcare facilities. In addition,
information on some promotional materials misleads many mothers to
believe that formula milk is as nutritious as or even superior to
breastmilk. “We
have to protect breastfeeding. Through legislation we want to stop
those manufacturers seizing every opportunity to promote formula milk,”
said Ms. Wong. “Moreover, we hope all hospitals, doctors and health
workers will stop passing free samples to mothers, so that more mothers
will be able to make the best choice for their babies – breastfeeding.” - End - 
Dr. Ip and a group of breastfeeding mothers during the Q & A session. 
Another speaker of the Press Conference - Ms. Millie Wong More data and related information can be downloaded from this link: http://www.unicef.org.hk/IMF/Breastfeed.zip Code Implementation | No. of Countries / Regions | Countries / Regions | Most of the Code provisions implemented as law | 30 | India, the Philippines, Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru | Implemented many but not all | 33 | Norway, Iran, Indonesia, Mongolia, Pakistan | Used the Code of 1981 as basis of implementation | 42 | Mainland
China, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, France, Germany,
Greece, Italy, Netherland, Poland, Spain, Great Britain, Israel, Egypt | Implemented on voluntary basis | 17 | Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand | Some voluntary provisions | 23 | Hong Kong SAR, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Switzerland | Some legislation | 5 | Canada, Japan, United Arab Emirates | Draft laws | 22 | Iraq, Jordan |
About UNICEF UNICEF
is on the ground in 150 countries and territories to help children
survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The
world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF
supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality
basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children
from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the
voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and
governments. About Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Hong Kong Association In 1992, the Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF formed the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Committee in order to promote and support breastfeeding in Hong Kong. This Committee has been organizing activities for the World Breastfeeding Week in Hong Kong. With the increasing support given by local maternity hospitals and health centres, the Committee was registered as the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Hong Kong Association in June 1994 aimed at promoting breastfeeding and protecting infant health. We
are committed to creating a healthcare environment that enables
mothers, families and other caregivers to make informed decisions about
optimal infant feeding. About Hong Kong Breastfeeding Mothers’ Association The
Hong Kong Breastfeeding Mothers’ Association was formed by a group of
voluntary breastfeeding mothers in 1996 to promote breastfeeding in Hong Kong. The objectives of the Association are to promote, protect and support breastfeeding in Hong Kong. We stress that nursing is a woman's right and enjoying mother's milk is a baby's right. Through a series of continued public education and promotions, we aim to create a breastfeeding friendly environment in Hong Kong. The
services offered and the activities arranged by the Association are as
follows: 24 Hours Hotline Service answered by experienced breastfeeding
mothers; Online Message Board Service to provide a platform for
experience sharing; Newsletter specially for pregnant women and
breastfeeding mothers; Organizing Seminars, Sharing Sessions and
Exhibitions in collaboration with different organizations ranging from
hospitals, community centers, district councilor office etc; Hospital
Visits; Support Media to promote breastfeeding in Hong Kong. The Association is run by a group of enthusiastic breastfeeding mothers on a voluntary basis. Without much support from the Government, all our funding relies on public donations. We need your kind help. Please don’t hesitate, act now to make your donation to us. For further information, please contact： Ms Kitty Chan, Advocacy and Public Relations Manager Tel: 2833 6139 / 9464 6869 Email: kchan@unicef.org.hk Ms. Polly Cheng, Project Officer Tel: 2591 0782 / 9874 0558 Email: bfhi@unicef.org.hk Hong Kong Breastfeeding Mothers’ Association Mrs. Fung
Tel: 9330 3113 Another speaker for the Press Conference - Ms. Millie Wong |
