BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Women’s Institute of Brunei Darussalam will be holding a live televised forum today to highlight the dangers of infant formula to the child and mother.

Jointly organised by the institute, Ministry of Health and state broadcaster Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB), the forum will feature ministry experts disseminating information aimed at increasing awareness on the existence of the Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes.

The International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes aims to protect, and promote breastfeeding by ensuring appropriate marketing and distribution of breast milk substitutes.

The forum will also touch on the recommendation made by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on six months of exclusive breastfeeding.

After six months, breastfeeding remains the mainstay of the diet of a baby, and other complimentary foods will be introduced gradually.

The WI added that the forum will also highlight the current problems among the community; and the giving of free and low cost supplies of breast-milk substitutes by irresponsible private healthcare institutions to women and sometimes pregnant women.

It is one of the initiatives taken by the institute to organise activities to promote a healthy diet, breastfeeding, among others.

The Brunei Times