NAFDAC INAUGURATES BREAST-MILK SUBSTITUTES (BMS) STATE MULTI-SECTORAL TECHNICAL COMMITTEES IN 32 STATES 27-10-24
By Sadiq Aminu The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has inaugurated Breast-Milk Substitutes (BMS) State Multi-Sectoral Technical Committees in 32 states to enforce the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and the National BMS Regulations.
At the virtual inauguration and capacity building of BMS State multi-sectoral technical committees, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, explained that the move aligns with the National Strategy for implementing the BMS Code in Nigeria, aimed at promoting and protecting breastfeeding as a key public health measure.
Prof Adeyeye urged the committees to ensure compliance with breastfeeding regulations in their states, and emphasized its vital role in boosting infant health and protecting mothers against health risks like breast cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
She noted that breastmilk offers unique immune protections and nutrients that cannot be replicated in substitutes, underscoring the importance of supporting breastfeeding practices nationwide.
She expressed concern over the decline in early breastfeeding rates and called for intensified efforts to improve breastfeeding to enhance child nutrition and growth.
Prof Adeyeye commended the first batch of BMS State Multi-Sectoral Technical Committees that had already been inaugurated in Kaduna, Yobe, Borno, Lagos, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), stressing that the on boarding of additional 32 States, is to ensure comprehensive coverage across the country.
Also, Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Mrs. Eva Edwards, encouraged committee members to act as advocates for breastfeeding, recognizing their essential role in fostering an environment that supports the rights of mothers and infants.
The event saw participation from over 300 stakeholders, including representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, UNICEF, WHO, and other development partners.