Humanitarian Emergency

SUMMARY OF COMMENT:

Breastfeeding is the best option and the safest form of feeding in a disaster or emergency situation: earthquake, flood, fire, hurricane, hurricane, drought, famine, landslide, volcanic eruption, etc.

During emergencies, including natural disasters and armed conflicts, breastfeeding is of vital importance. Breastfeeding provides reliable nutrition and protection against infectious diseases, without the need for drinking water, feeding utensils, electricity or external supplies.^{(ABM 2024)}

The 1981 “International Code for the Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes^{”(WHO 2017)} protects and promotes breastfeeding, avoiding the donation of breast-milk substitutes, teats and bottles because of the negative effects on the health of the infant population, accepting it only in very specific cases.

Key ideas in this vídeo. (Spanish subtitled in Turkish, Arabic, French and English.

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Emergency situations entail a more or less transitory destruction of the social fabric, of the health system, an increase in poverty and inequality, displacement of people, refugee situations and food insecurity. Epidemics may appear, as well as an increase in diseases and mortality, more pronounced among children, women, the elderly and previously ill people.

Disasters are associated with a decrease in the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding and an increase in the use of infant formula, which implies serious risks for infant health. Infants in disaster situations fed with commercial milk formula (CMF) are at higher risk of illness and death than breastfed infants. ^{(MirMohamadaliIe 2019, O'Connor 2001, Sapir 1993)}

Poor breastfeeding preparedness of health workers ^{(Robertson 1995)} and the systematic free distribution of CMF by international and local humanitarian agencies ( ^{Zakanj 2000)} in disaster areas are causes of the decline in the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding.^{(Rabbani 2020)}

Protecting women's right to breastfeed in emergencies is associated with improved maternal and neonatal outcomes ^{( MirMohamadaliIe 2019)}. Breastfeeding protection, promotion, and support should be included in all emergency preparedness plans and staff training; emergency protocols should include breastfeeding specialists among emergency relief personnel. ^{( ABM 2024)}. Breastfeeding has allowed babies to survive even in the most frightening circumstances.^{(Eidelman 2013)}

Breastfeeding is the most effective way to provide adequate nutrients in perfect condition, even in emergency situations where mothers' nutritional status is affected ^{(Nidzvetska 2017)}. Promoting and supporting breastfeeding and limiting the distribution of CMF by international aid agencies prevents the increase in malnutrition that occurs during armed conflict. ^{(Andersson 2010, IBFAN 2009, Robertson 1995)}

Non-breastfed infants are an at-risk group and should be identified; return to breastfeeding (relactation), wet-nursing and donor milk should be considered in their support. Donations of CMF, bottles or nipples, and breast pumps should not be accepted in emergency situations without controlled supply, storage, preparation and administration; they should be reserved exclusively for infants who cannot be breastfed. ^{( ABM 2024)}

There are international protocols on infant and young child feeding in emergencies. ^{(CDC 2022, Save the Children 2020, IFE 2017)}

In natural disasters and war, the WHO “Guiding Principles for Infant and Young Child Feeding during Emergencies” ^{(WHO 2004)} need to be followed:

• Principles 1 and 2: Infants born in emergency-affected populations should be exclusively breastfed from birth to 6 months of age. Every effort should be made to identify alternative ways to breastfeed infants whose biological mothers are not available. An environment that encourages frequent breastfeeding should be created and maintained for children up to two years of age or older.
• Principle 3: The quantity, distribution and use of FLC in emergency settings should be strictly controlled.

See below the information of this related product:

• War (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)