STOP PRESS
Manila Bulletin: DOH bans donation of breastmilk substitutes during disasters June 3, 2017, 3:20 PM By Betheena Kae Unite
http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/06/03/doh-bans-donation-of-breastmilk-substitutes-during-disasters/
We contacted the aid agencies and complained to the Disaster’s Emergency Committee (DEC) about its appeal published on Tuesday (22nd March). See below and my previous Blog for links to comments and briefings about the importance of ensuring that media don’t feed commonly held misconceptions about how breastfeeding works. DEC has revised the text and published this one this morning and we thank them. Its certainly better but not ideal and I would welcome comments: prundall@babymilkaction.org

Disasters Emergencies Committee revised appeal 25th March 2017

Original DEC appeal – 22nd March 2017
My suggestions to avoid wrong message related to infant feeding and reinforce more the link of breastfeeding to infant survival:
Phrase 2 – Many mothers like Bisharo are malnourished and struggling to continuing to breastfeed their babies.
Phrase 3: Our members charities are supporting mothers to ensure they get well health to care for their babies and as recommended to exclusive breastfeed for six months and continue breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond that can guarantee babies’ survival.
Phrase 4: If we support mother’s nutrition we will also support babies’ survival
My second suggestions to reinforce more the link of women’s health, breastfeeding and infant survival:
Phrase 2 – Many mothers like Bisharo are malnourished and struggling to continuing to take care of their babies.
Phrase 3 – Our members charities are supporting mothers to ensure they get well health to care for their babies and as recommended to exclusive breastfeed for six months and continue breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond that can guarantee babies’ survival.
Phrase 4 – If we support mother’s health we will also support babies’ survival.
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