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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. This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s national strategy to implement the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes.
In a statement released by NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, the agency emphasized its commitment to enforcing BMS regulations and protecting breastfeeding practices in Nigeria. The committees will work to ensure compliance with both international and national guidelines regulating the promotion of breast milk substitutes, which are essential to supporting infant and young child health.
Last month, organizations including the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria and FHI 360 Alive & Thrive called for strengthened enforcement of the BMS marketing code to improve nutrition for infants and young children. The code’s purpose is to support breastfeeding by regulating the marketing of breast milk substitutes.
During a virtual inauguration ceremony, NAFDAC Director General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye urged committee members to champion compliance with the BMS code in their respective states. She highlighted that breastfeeding plays a vital role in enhancing child and maternal health, cognitive development, and resistance to diseases. Breastfeeding also offers mothers health benefits, such as reduced risks of breast cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic issues.
“Breast milk provides a unique immune system support, with bioactive components that are irreplaceable in any substitute product,” Adeyeye noted.
The formation of BMS State Multi-Sectoral Committees is a significant milestone, she added, aimed at achieving shared objectives in public health.
NAFDAC’s Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Mrs. Eva Edwards, noted that physical inaugurations have already been conducted in Kaduna, Yobe, Borno, Lagos, and the Federal Capital Territory. The virtual launch for 32 additional states demonstrates a commitment to improved infant and child nutrition across Nigeria, overcoming logistical and funding challenges.
The event saw participation from over 300 representatives, including officials from the Federal Ministry of Health, UNICEF Nigeria, WHO Nigeria, FHI360 Alive & Thrive, and Save the Children.
