The International Baby Food Action Network, IBFAN, consists of public interest groups working around the world to reduce infant and young child morbidity and mortality. IBFAN aims to improve the health and well-being of babies and young children, their mothers and their families through the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding and optimal infant feeding practices. IBFAN works for universal and full implementation of the International Code and Resolutions … (what is IBFAN 1/2).
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What is IBFAN 2/2: … The formation of IBFAN – IBFAN is one of the longest-surviving single-issue organisations. IBFAN was founded on October 12th, 1979 after the joint meeting of WHO and UNICEF on Infant and Young Child Feeding.
One of the founding members stated:
IBFAN… will provide an international framework for the continuation of our work. It will allow us to continue our vigilance and provide the focus for citizen participation. It will enable us to follow up the recommendations of this meeting – to spread new perspectives gained and to monitor compliance (with the International Code).
The International Code:
- The groups that formed IBFAN were instrumental in putting the marketing of baby foods onto the health agenda, resulting in the 1979 meeting referred to above. IBFAN then campaigned for a strong and effective marketing code. The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes was adopted by the World Health Assembly in 1981. Through continued vigilance, new marketing strategies and developments in thinking on infant nutrition have been brought to the attention of delegates at the World Health Assembly leading to the adoption of further Resolutions which aim to protect infant health and mothers rights.
A global action network:
- IBFAN is an International Network. Structured like a net, it encompasses the Earth. Groups are diverse: they may work on infant feeding issues alone, or they may be mother support groups, consumer associations, development organisations or citizens rights groups. Some are staffed by volunteers, some have full time staff. What all groups have in common is they take Action to bring about implementation of the International Code and the subsequent, relevant Resolutions of the World Health Assembly. These are the main tools that IBFAN uses with the aim of ensuring that the marketing of baby food does not have a negative impact on health.
… (full text).
- Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. In fact, it is the only thing
that ever has. » Margaret MEAD, Anthropologist - To join IBFAN, read entirely the section: « What is IBFAN? » to make sure that your aims fit in with IBFANs.
- IBFAN cherishes the differences between the groups that make it up, believing that people themselves
know how best they can contribute towards our common aims. - IBFAN values its independence and groups are required to give a written undertaking not to seek or accept funds, donations or sponsorship from the infant feeding and related products industry. IBFAN groups should aim to include a clause to this effect in their constitution or statutes and ask for a clarifying statement from potential donors when requesting funds or support.
- Many IBFAN groups refuse any kind of commercial support as links between companies are not always
obvious. In addition, our NGO partners working on other campaigns may have difficulties with a particular company and accepting funding from it may undermine their work. We cannot be too vigilant in this matter. - To get an application sheet for membership of the IBFAN Network, please contact your nearest
Regional Coordinating Office.