NAFDAC to regulate breast milk substitutes in Nasarawa
By Faith AM
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC has set up a 15-member multi-sectoral committee to regulate the marketing of breast milk substitutes.
Nasarawa State NAFDAC Coordinator and Chairman of the committee, Mr. Anga Emmanuel made this known in Lafia while inaugurating the committee members on Tuesday.
He said it complied with the directive of the Director General of the agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.
According to him, the initiative was aimed at promoting breastfeeding and regulating the marketing of breast milk substitutes in the State.
FMBlog learnt that the committee’s primary objective is to ensure compliance with the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes and national regulations.
The Coordinator said “We inaugurated this committee to demonstrate our commitment to enforcing regulations and promoting breastfeeding practices”.
Emmanuel emphasised the importance of promoting optimal breastfeeding practices, citing the numerous health benefits for mothers and children.
He added that the breast milk substitutes are not to be advertised on any platform or sold indiscriminately unless on recommendation by a medical doctor because of the situation of the mother after birth.
Also speaking, NAFDAC Principal Regulatory Officer and Desk Officer for breast milk substitute, Mrs. Blessing Able, said that breast milk provides essential nutrients and immune support for infants, promoting healthy growth and development.
She further explained that breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer, cardiovascular issues, and metabolic diseases in mothers.
The desk officer noted that breast milk contains hormones and bioactive substances that support cognitive and psychosocial development in infants.
According to her, the agency aims to safeguard the health and well-being of infants and young children by regulating the marketing of breast milk substitutes.
“Breast milk is highly nutritional, and the substitute should only be given to children when the mother is sick or has unfortunately died after giving birth.
She encouraged mothers to give their children breast milk within 30 minutes to one hour after birth for proper development of the child.
“Mothers should also give their children breast milk exclusively for six months because of its health benefits to both of them”, she added.
The committee comprises stakeholders from NAFDAC, state ministries of Health, Information, Women Affairs, Media, State Nutrition Officer, Primary Healthcare and Development Agency, Department of State Services, among others.
