The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has tasked the media on the promotion of breastfeeding practices in Nigeria.

A pharmacist and Coordinator of NAFDAC in Niger and Chairman of the State Breast Milk Substitutes Multisectoral Committee, James Kigbu, said this on Thursday.

He made the call during an awareness creation meeting with media professionals in Minna.

Mr Kigbu said that the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, on October 26, inaugurated the State Breast Milk Substitute (BMS) Multi Sectoral Technical Committee.

He said the committee was to implement the code, monitor compliance, sensitise and advocate for compliance.

Other tasks of the committee, he said, include curtailing aggressive marketing of BMS, promoting exclusive breastfeeding and recommending sanctions for violations.

He urged media professionals to become familiar with the laws and regulations on marketing BMS in Nigeria.

He said, “Media professional are encouraged to train staff to identify and report violations of the code and reject any advertisements promoting breast milk substitute products.’’

He noted that NAFDAC didn’t issue advertisement permits for BMS, adding that the agency was working to ensure compliance with the code and national regulations.

He said BMS manufacturing companies use various tactics to promote their products to mothers through professional associations, doctors, nurses and midwives as well as retail outlets and hospitals.

He said the media could play a crucial role in exposing the tactics and promoting breastfeeding as the best feeding practice for infants and young children.

Mr Kigbu called on the media to support the effort by promoting optimal feeding practices for infants and young children, and establishing crèches in media houses for breastfeeding mothers.

He said the implementation and monitoring of the code and national regulations required the collaboration of stakeholders, including the media, healthcare professionals and government agencies.

The International Code of Marketing of BMS was designed by UNICEF and WHO to regulate the marketing of BMS.

The code comprises 11 articles that spelt out recommendations for governments, healthcare systems, healthcare providers, and companies.

NAFDAC decree 15 of 1993, as amended, empowers the agency to implement the code in collaboration with state governments and other stakeholders.

(NAN)