Let them take breast milk … only (on the DoH and WHO’s stand against milk substitute donations even during a disaster)

By Siesta-friendly

We had previously gotten conflicting information about the implementation of Sec. 6 (f) of Executive Order 51 ("National Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, Breastmilk Supplement and Other Related Products.) which reads:

“Nothing herein contained shall prevent donations from manufacturers and distributors of products within the scope of this Code upon request by or with the approval of the Ministry of Health.” [emphasis supplied]

It was unbelievable, at first, to learn that the Dept. of Health (DoH) was withholding approval of requests for manufacturers and distributors to donate milk to victims of Typhoon Ondoy.

A tv news report had a disheartening interview of a mother deciding to give her infant diluted chocolate drink because she could not get milk anywhere. Worse, it was linked to official government policy.

There are many reasons why the children were not getting breastmilk: perhaps their mothers could not be located, had perished in the floods or could no longer provide breastmilk for one reason or another, or the children had already been weaned on milk formula.

What is most important is their nutrition and milk is the best source.

But we’ve finally confirmed that to the DoH and the WHO what is most important is promoting breastmilk.

DoH and WHO stand

“Explaining why the Department of Health (DoH) is calling on donors to abstain from donating non-human milk and other milk products to calamity victims, Health Undersecretary Alexander Padilla explains: “It has been proven that formula milk fed to infants and other milk products during emergency situations can cause adverse effects to children’s health. It lowers breastfeeding rates and triggers more illnesses.”

Top on the list of articles on the DoH homepage is one entitled “Who Backs DoH Over Ban On Milk Products For Ondoy Children” which reads:

“The World Health Organization (WHO) today applauded the Philippines Department of Health for its efforts to prevent donations of milk products to infants and young children sheltering in evacuation centres in the wake of Typhoon Ondoy.

In a statement, WHO said donations of infant formula and other powdered milk products, while well-meaning, endanger children’s lives. It was a misconception that in emergencies, many mothers could no longer breastfeed adequately due to stress or inadequate nutrition.

Dr Howard Sobel, acting WHO Representative, explained: "Stress is not likely to inhibit breast-milk production, provided mothers and infants remain together and are supported to breastfeed. Mothers who lack food or who are malnourished can still breastfeed adequately. Adequate fluids and extra food for the mother will help to sustain her health and well-being."

During emergency situations, the need for nutrition to maintain health increases, but structural damage caused by flooding jeopardizes clean water supplies, Dr Sobel said. "Contaminated water supplies increase the risk of water borne diseases. Diarrhoea, other infectious diseases and under-nutrition skyrocket. The younger the infant, the higher the risk..."

It seems the height of insensitivity to insist on something - though ideal - that is not accessible under the circumstances. Especially when lives – of helpless children (and not only infants) - are at stake.

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