History
IBFAN was founded in 1979 by a coalition of nongovernmental organizations concerned about the marketing of breastmilk substitutes. The catalyst was the growing evidence that aggressive promotion of formula undermined breastfeeding, especially in low and middleincome countries where clean water and adequate nutrition are not guaranteed.
In 1981, IBFAN helped draft the first International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, which was adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. Since then, the network has expanded to include more than 130 member organizations in over 110 countries, ranging from health NGOs and womens rights groups to professional associations and research institutions.
Mission & Vision
Mission: To protect, promote and support optimal infant and young child feeding practices, especially breastfeeding, by influencing policies, strengthening advocacy, and empowering communities worldwide.
Vision: A world where every child receives the best possible nutrition for healthy growth, and where mothers are free to choose how to feed their infants without commercial pressure.
IBFANs work is guided by the WHO/UNICEF International Code, its subsequent resolutions, and the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), which highlights nutrition as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
Key Programs and Activities
- Code Monitoring and Enforcement: IBFANs Code Watch initiative tracks violations of the International Code and its later resolutions in both public and private sectors, publishing annual reports that inform policymakers.
- Advocacy and Policy Influence: The network works with national governments to enact legislation that aligns with the Code, offering technical assistance for drafting and implementing laws.
- Community Education: Through mothertomother support groups, schoolbased programs, and mass media campaigns, IBFAN spreads evidencebased information about the benefits of breastfeeding.
- Research and Knowledge Sharing: The IBFAN Research Unit collaborates with universities and research institutes to generate data on infant feeding practices, marketing trends, and health outcomes.
- Capacity Building: Regional training workshops equip local NGOs and health workers with skills to monitor marketing practices, counsel mothers, and advocate for policy change.
Impact and Achievements
Since its inception, IBFAN has contributed to measurable improvements in infant nutrition worldwide:
- Over 50 countries have introduced legislation that mirrors the International Code, restricting the advertising, promotion, and distribution of breastmilk substitutes.
- More than 2,000 reported Code violations have been documented, with many resulting in corrective action from manufacturers or regulatory agencies.
- Studies linked IBFANsupported initiatives to a 1015% increase in exclusive breastfeeding rates in targeted regions, translating into thousands of lives saved from preventable diseases.
- The networks annual World Breastfeeding Week campaigns have reached an estimated 150million people through social media, radio, and community events.
IBFANs influence extends beyond policy; it has helped reshape public discourse, positioning breastfeeding as a fundamental right for children and a public health priority for societies.
How You Can Get Involved
Whether you are a health professional, a parent, an activist, or simply a concerned citizen, there are many ways to support IBFANs mission:
- Become a Member: Join a local NGO that is part of the network, or encourage your organization to become an official IBFAN member.
- Volunteer: Help with community outreach, monitor local marketing practices, or assist in translating educational materials.
- Donate: Contributions fund research, advocacy trips, and training workshops in lowresource settings.
- Spread the Word: Share IBFANs resources on social media, organize a Breastfeeding Awareness event at your school or workplace, or write to your elected representatives about the importance of Codecompliant legislation.
- Stay Informed: Subscribe to the IBFAN newsletter, follow their social channels, and read the latest reports on Code compliance.
Every action, big or small, helps protect the right of children to receive safe, nutritious food and supports mothers in making informed feeding choices.
For more information, visit IBFANs official website.
