During the virtual inauguration of the committees, NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye urged each team to spearhead compliance efforts within their respective states with respect to the international and national regulations concerning BMS.
Abuja, Nigeria – The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced the establishment of Breast Milk Substitutes (BMS) State Multi-Sectoral Technical Committees across 32 states in Nigeria. This initiative aligns with the ongoing implementation of the national strategy for upholding the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes in the nation.
In a statement released by Sayo Akintola, the agency’s Resident Media Consultant, NAFDAC highlighted that the formation of these committees reflects its commitment to enforcing both the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and the National BMS regulations.
Recently, in September, advocacy groups including the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria and FHI 360 Alive & Thrive called for the enactment of the National Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition, as well as a more stringent enforcement of the Breast Milk Substitute marketing code.
The marketing code is designed to safeguard breastfeeding by regulating the promotion of breastmilk substitutes, which is critical for enhancing feeding practices among infants and young children.
During the virtual inauguration of the committees, NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye urged each team to spearhead compliance efforts within their respective states with respect to the international and national regulations concerning BMS. Adeyeye emphasized the importance of these frameworks in promoting and safeguarding breastfeeding in Nigeria, which significantly contributes to the health and well-being of both children and mothers.
She highlighted that breastfeeding serves as a cornerstone of public health, essential for the growth and development of infants and young children. It also supports cognitive and psychosocial development while providing protection against various diseases, both infectious and non-communicable.
“Mothers derive health benefits from breastfeeding, including reduced risks of breast cancer, cardiovascular issues, metabolic diseases, and effective weight management,” she noted, adding that breastmilk is unique in its composition, offering immune support and containing hormones and bioactive substances that cannot be replicated in any substitute.
The Director General underscored the imperative of promoting optimal breastfeeding practices and identified the formation of the BMS State Multi-Sectoral Teams as a significant milestone towards achieving collective goals.
Mrs. Eva Edwards, Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, reported that in addition to the virtual inauguration for 32 BMS State Multi-Sectoral Technical Committees, physical inaugurations have taken place in states including Kaduna, Yobe, Borno, Lagos, and the Federal Capital Territory.
“This virtual event reflects our shared commitment and determination to improve nutrition for infants and young children across Nigeria while addressing funding and logistical challenges,” she asserted, reaffirming the stakeholders’ mission to enhance and protect breastfeeding practices.
The inauguration event featured over 300 participants, including representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, led by Director of Nutrition, Mrs. Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, along with representatives from UNICEF Nigeria, the World Health Organization, FHI360 Alive & Thrive, and Save the Children, among others.
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