International Code Documentation Centre

Annual Training Course

Implementing the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes

20-28 September 2004
Penang, Malaysia

Aim of the Course

To support governments in writing laws and other measures to implement the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. The Innocenti Declaration urged all governments to give effect to the Code and subsequent WHO resolutions by 1995. It has been a slow process and many governments still intend to take decisive action to protect breastfeeding. Often they have the political will but need the practical skills to transform an international guideline into national law. Other countries do have legislation or other measures, but have not succeeded in making them work. Regional or Global ICDC courses can provide advice and skills.

Programme

• Background and analysis of development of the International Code.
• Breastfeeding as an international health issue: physiology, economic value, rates and trends.
• The International Code article by article: analysis discussion and legal drafting.
• Relevant additional Resolutions by the World Health Assembly which clarify parts of the Code.

• The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) and its relation to the Code.
• HIV and breastfeeding: legal implications.
• Marketing techniques in relation to the international Code.
• Introduction and analysis of the Model Law.
• Review of measures taken in selected countries to implement the International Code.
• The relationship between the International Code and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• Implementing national measures: lessons learnt.
• Legislative support for working mothers.
• Trade implications of national laws.

Teaching methods

Course sessions consist of lectures, plenary discussions and workshops. Participants meet in groups to discuss the provisions of the Code in detail and to draft appropriate national measures. Role playing, panel discussions, videos and other audio-visual materials make up a significant part of the Course.

Participants

Participants come from all over the world: 15 to 20 countries may be represented at any one course. Ideally participants are public health policy makers from ministries of Health, Trade or Justice or from related institutions. At any one Course there may well be officials from some 23 different countries. The ideal number of participants is between 25 and 35. They should represent relevant government ministries such as Health, Justice and Trade. Governments are encouraged to send a team comprised of a lawyer and a health professional. Some NGO representatives specialising in Code monitoring may be invited to participate or attend as facilitators

Costs

The Course fee is US$500. Other costs include air fare, accommodation and meals and transport. Some fellowships are available. Applicants should explore the possibility of obtaining financial assistance from their own governments or through WHO, UNICEF or other international funding agencies. The organizers will not accept participants funded by baby food manufacturers or related industries.

Venue

The Course is residential. All participants and lecturers stay at the hotel where the Course is held. Information about exact costs will be sent on request.

Organisers

The International Code Documentation Centre's staff have a thorough knowledge and wide international experience with the Code. The Director was involved in 1980 when the Code was drafted and has followed it closely ever since. ICDC lecturers have assisted many countries to draft legislation based on the Code.

National and sub-regional Code Implementation Training Courses can be arranged.

Course directors

Annelies Allain, Director, ICDC
Yeong Joo Kean, Legal Advisor, ICDC

What past participants say about the course...

"This Course convinced me that we are not alone in the fight against unfair marketing practices."

"A very useful Course. We made mistakes when applying the Code in my country. Now I know what to watch for."

"The course was very comprehensive and informative. I gained knowledge about the Code, its loopholes and drafting national laws."

"This doctor-lawyer teamwork is perfect."

"Our draft law had been on hold for too long... the Course gave me the energy to push it forward, try again."

"Breastfeeding, marketing and the Law: the links were made abundantly clear... and exciting."

About ICDC

Past ICDC Courses

How to apply

Download Course details as an A4 leaflet

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