The United Nations is highlighting the plight of refugees and displaced people in Pakistan and Afghanistan (see, UN Agencies joint statement  http://www.unicef.org/newsline/01pr75.htm and UNICEF press release  http://www.unicef.org/newsline/01pr74.htm).

What is the most appropriate and effective way to approach infant feeding in emergency/refugee situations?

This question is addressed by IBFAN's publication: "Infant Feeding in Emergencies" now available on the IBFAN international website at  http://www.ibfan.org/english/activities/emergencies/ife01.html

Following consultation with leading experts, UN agencies and NGOs with extensive field experience, IBFAN has drawn together best practice recommendations.

DON'T DONATE BREASTMILK SUBSTITUTES is a key warning. Experience shows that donations may be distributed and used indiscrimately, causing more harm than good. The willingness of the baby food industry to exploit emergency situations to open up markets does not help matters.

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"Our maternity hospitals were flooded with breastmilk substitutes brought in by humanitarian aid agencies. This nearly destroyed our breastfeeding programmes."

Dr. Anahit Demirchian, Chief of the National Programme of Promotion and Protection of Breastfeeding, Armenia, 1996
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IBFAN presents more appropriate alternatives. Such as the Mother and Baby Tents set up in Albanian refugee camps during the Kosovo crisis. Baby-friendly emergency shelters in Honduras following Hurricane Mitch. Breastfeeding corners in Tanzania in camps for refugees fleeing Burundi.

When breastfeeding is not possible the options in order of priority are:

Expressed Breastmilk
Wet-nursing*
Generically packaged infant formula**
Locally purchased branded formula**
Stop gap home-made recipes

(*/** see the report for further information)

This IBFAN briefing is intended for policy makers, programme managers and field workers from agencies involved in emergergency relief, donors, journalists, and other interested parties. It can be viewed on-line. You will find details of how to obtain printed copies on the site.

Don't make a bad situation worse. Be informed.

Please distribute this email widely.

Mike Brady
Campaigns and Networking Coordinator
Baby Milk Action