Switzerland at the CRC : Lack of Political Will and Financial Means to Ensure Protection, Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding

On January 21st and 22nd, 2015, the Committee on the Rights of the Child considered the combined second to fourth periodic report of Switzerland on the situation of the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the country. The delegation of Switzerland was led by Ambassador Stéphane Cueni and Mrs. Anne-Claude Demierre, State Counsellor of the canton of Fribourg.

On this occasion, IBFAN presented an alternative report to inform the CRC Committee on the situation of infant and young child feeding in Switzerland. IN addition, as a member of the Swiss NGO Child Rights Network Switzerland, IBFAN-GIFA also contributed to the joint report of the network.

General overview of breastfeeding in Switzerland

IBFAN report highlighted that Switzerland does not have a comprehensive national strategy on protection, promotion and support to infant and young child feeding in line with the Global strategy for infant and young child feeding adopted at WHA in 2002. The Swiss national strategy to promote healthy diets initiated in 2008 includes promotion of breastfeeding, and there is a national foundation tasked with breastfeeding promotion, but only a few cantons are funding small-scale breastfeeding promotion activities as part of their obesity prevention programs. Overall, political will and national planning and resources are insufficient to create a favorable environment for mothers and parents to make informed decisions and put them into practice. Although more than half of Swiss babies are born in baby-friendly hospitals, scarce international indicators reveal poor breastfeeding practices (rate of exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months: 14%, rate of early initiation of breastfeeding: 66% and no data on continued breastfeeding at 1 or 2 years). The rate of C-sections, a barrier to early initiation, is very high (33%).

In addition, protection of breastfeeding is insufficient. Indeed, the Swiss law does not cover all provisions of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and applies only to infant formula until 6 months; what is more, monitoring at national level is not independent, as the panel responsible is jointly composed of experts and members of the baby food industry. In consequence, as an example, mothers of 4 month year old babies receive gift packages at home containing samples of follow-on formula and complementary foods marketed for infants from 4 months. Parents often receive conflicting information, including from health professionals who lack appropriate independent training and are faced with potential conflicts of interest induced by financial ties between their professional associations and the baby food industry.

On a more positive note, IBFAN noted that Switzerland ratified the ILO Convention 183 on maternity protection, by revising their legislation to ensure that all working mothers are granted paid breastfeeding breaks until their child is one year of age.

Discussion on infant and young child feeding

The Committee expressed concern about the increase of obesity in children. Mentioning specifically breastfeeding, the Committee noted that even though breastfeeding is officially recommended, the efforts to promote optimal breastfeeding practices are yet not satisfactory: there is a lack of training aimed at health professionals, no national strategy on breastfeeding and only very little funds allocated to breastfeeding promotion.

Regarding obesity, the delegation explained that Switzerland has adopted a 2013-2016 Nutrition Strategy based on the 6^th Swiss Nutrition report, the European White Paper and the WHA Strategy for diet, physical activity and health. A National Plan of Action has also been put in place and is coordinated by Promotion Santé Suisse in 20 cantons. On the issue of breastfeeding, the delegation answered that much attention is paid to the health of mothers and children within the above-mentioned National Nutrition Strategy and that Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office supports and promotes breastfeeding through the Swiss Foundation for the Promotion of Breastfeeding. In the last years, two important steps have been taken in relation with breastfeeding: 1/ a new legislation on maternity protection has been implemented, which provides paid breastfeeding breaks to working mothers, and the ILO Convention 183 has been subsequently ratified; 2/ a new ordinance has been adopted in 2008, which limits the marketing of infant formula until 6 months of age.

The Committee then raised follow-up questions on the protection of breastfeeding, emphasizing the lack of implementation of the International Code and relevant subsequent WHA resolutions into the Swiss legislation and asking if there was any immediate plan to strengthen the national legislation implementing the Code and to set up an independent monitoring mechanism. In addition, the Committee asked if, considering the need for 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding, Switzerland was planning to extend the duration of the maternity leave accordingly.

The delegation could not answer on the question on breastfeeding protection and the International Code because of lack of information. On the issue of maternity leave, it explained that the government is not considering an extension of the duration of 14 weeks, which comply with European standards, but is now working on strengthening the paternity leave.

The Committee again referred to breastfeeding and asked if there was any intention to increase to rate of hospitals certified as “baby-friendly” (about 55%).

The delegation answered that some hospitals are indeed certified, but that some others have refused to enter into the process. Currently, there is no government plan to extend the number of certified health facilities. The delegation added that a canton express concern about the fact that women were being pressured to breastfeed and said that some degree of freedom should be allowed. Mothers should be able to choose to breastfeed or not. The delegation further stated that there shouldn’t be a state plan on this issue.

The Committee finally noted that breastfeeding is also crucial for emotional bonding and attachment between the mother and her child and that Switzerland should reconsider its approach related to the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. Noting that nowadays, two incomes are often necessary to support a family and that most of women no longer stay at home to take care of their children, the Committee invited Switzerland to extend the maternity leave, because it is the only way to enable women to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months.

Concluding Observations

In its Concluding Observations, the Committee referred indirectly and directly to infant and young child feeding. Regarding promotion of breastfeeding, the Committee recommended Switzerland to “strengthen its efforts to promote exclusive and continued breastfeeding by providing access to materials, and raising awareness concerning the importance of breastfeeding and the risks of formula feeding” (§ 59a). Regarding support to breastfeeding, the Committee stressed the need to “review and strengthen training for health professionals on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, and to “further increase the number of hospitals certified as baby-friendly” (§ 59b-c). Moreover, Switzerland was urged to “develop a comprehensive national strategy on infant and young children feeding practices” and to make sure that the national recommendations on breastfeeding comply with the relevant WHO recommendations (§ 59d-e). Finally, the Committe recommended to “ensure that the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes is strictly enforced” and to “consider extending maternity leave to minimum six months” (§ 59f-g).

Jamaica at the CRC: Low Breastfeeding Records and Insufficient Maternity Leave

On January 19^th and 20^th, 2015, the Committee on the Rights of the Child considered the combined Third and Fourth Periodic Report of Jamaica on the situation of the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the country. The delegation of Jamaica was led by M.P. Honorable Lisa Hanna, Minister of Youth and Culture.

 

On this occasion, IBFAN presented an alternative report to inform the CRC Committee on the situation of infant and young child feeding in Jamaica.

General overview of breastfeeding in Jamaica

Despite the high rate of skilled attendance at birth (98.3%) and institutional delivery (97.1%), optimal breastfeeding practices are still not widespread in Jamaica. This is confirmed by the low rates of early initiation of breastfeeding (62.3%), exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months (23.8%) and continued breastfeeding ate at 2 years of age (31.2%). These figures show a lack of knowledge on the importance of the early initiation of breastfeeding among the health care workers assisting deliveries and, at the same time, constitute an evidence of non-compliance with the step 4 of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI). Another alarming fact relates to the median duration of exclusive breastfeeding, which is only three weeks for the average Jamaican mother.

The draft National Infant and Young Child Policy, revised in 2014, states important goals related to supporting breastfeeding in communities and the workplace, spreading the BFHI in all institutions, improving the data collection system, building capacity within all relevant agencies and at different levels of the health system, among others. However, to date, this draft has not yet been accepted and thus, the activities carried out by the National Infant and Young Child Feeding Committee remain unclear. Breastfeeding and HIV-related strategies are mentioned in the draft Policy, and thus, have not been endorsed yet. The same applies to infant and child feeding in emergencies, which has been addressed in the draft Policy in the form of specific provisions, but there is no information available on its concrete application.

Regarding protection of breastfeeding, only voluntary measures are in place to implement the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and there is no enforcement mechanism. 

The Jamaican legislation does not provide for an adequate duration of maternity leave (12 weeks) and for proper relevant benefit coverage (only 8 weeks). Furthermore, employers are not required to provide breaks for nursing mothers and fathers are not entitled to any paternity leave.

Discussion on infant and young child feeding

The CRC Committee addressed specifically the issue of breastfeeding in Jamaica, asking the reasons behind such low breastfeeding rates in the country, despite the tremendous positive developments Jamaica has presented in many other areas of the Convention. It was also asked whether there could be a link between the low breastfeeding indicators and the fact that the legislation does not provide for employers to allow breastfeeding breaks to nursing mothers. The delegation replied mentioning that Jamaica was one of the first countries in the world to adopt in the 1970s an act on the maternity leave which gives women the right to a paid 3-month leave. The delegation also highlighted that Jamaica has a matriarchal society for which many mothers are working and that they do breastfeed their children up to 6 months of age. Pointing out that breastfeeding is encouraged in hospitals, the Head of Delegation described the personal experience of going to the hospital to deliver her baby and being told not to bring any bottles because that was a breastfeeding-policy hospital. 

The CRC Committee commented that, however, it is important to provide that the maternity leave is long enough and guarantees that mothers can breastfeed their children up to 6 months exclusively, reminding that this is also a very strong WHO recommendation. Maternity leave becomes thus an essential point when discussing measures aimed at encouraging women to breastfeed their children, if not up to 2 years, up to 6 months at least. The Committee then added that the positive outcomes of breastfeeding are seen later, in the better health status of children and, but not only, in the emotional bonding, which is also essential.

Concluding Observations

The Committee issued both indirect and direct recommendations related to infant and young child feeding to Jamaica (see the Concluding Observations).

After commending the State party for the decrease in infant mortality rates, the Committee expressed concerns over the “perinatal mortality levels, the increase in maternal mortality, the persistent levels of undernourishment among the poorest children, the general shortage of health care providers and access by children to quality health care, the low levels of breastfeeding and the high rate of children classified as overweight and obese” (§ 44).

Therefore, the Committee recommended Jamaica to ensure adequate provision of prenatal and post natal care, as well as to address the increase in maternal mortality (§ 45a) and to increase the number and coverage of health care professionals for an improved children’s access to health care services (§ 45c). Regarding nutrition, the Committee urged Jamaica to “introduce targeted action to prevent the undernourishment of children, including the promotion of proper infant and young child feeding practices” (§ 45b). On children obesity in particular, the Committee recommended to intensify measures to raise awareness of healthy nutrition among parents, children and the public in general, and to promote healthy eating habits (§ 45f).

With regard to breastfeeding, the Committee specifically recommended Jamaica to “take action to improve the practice of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, through awareness-raising measures, including campaigns, providing information and training to relevant officials, particularly staff working in maternity units, and parents” (§ 45d). Finally, the Committee recommended the State party to regulate the marketing of breastmilk substitutes (§ 45e).

Tanzania at the CRC: Suboptimal Breastfeeding Practices and Low Rate of Institutional Delivery

On January 15^th and 16^th, 2015, the Committee on the Rights of the Child considered the combined third to fifth periodic reports of the United Republic of Tanzania on the situation of the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the country. The Tanzanian delegation was led by Mrs. Sophia Simba, Minister for Community Development, Gender and Children.

On this occasion, IBFAN presented an alternative report to inform the CRC Committee on the situation of infant and young child feeding in Tanzania.

General overview of breastfeeding in the United Republic of Tanzania

In Tanzania, high rates of neonatal, infant, under-5 and maternal mortality coexist with a low rate of skilled attendant at birth (49%). Suboptimal breastfeeding practices are widespread: some 1 child out of 2 is neither breastfed during the first hour after delivery nor exclusively breastfed until 6 months of age. In addition, early introduction of complementary food is a recurring problem and vast majority of babies under 3 months old are fed with water, juice, porridge or other foods, increasing the risk of infections and malnutrition. There is also a cultural belief that the colostrums is dirty and should be discarded.

Although the 1992 Food and Nutrition Policy pointing out the high rate of malnutrition among children linked with inadequate breastfeeding and weaning is still in place, as well as the National Nutrition Strategy 2011/12-2015/16 and the 2004 National Strategy on Infant and Young Child Nutrition, several problems persist in the country regarding promotion and support of breastfeeding. First, information on the activities undertaken to promote breastfeeding is lacking, as well as information on specific trainings or courses on optimal breastfeeding practices aimed at health professionals. The High Level Steering Committee on Nutrition, created in 2011, in charge to coordinate multi-sectorial interventions to reduce child malnutrition and promote optimal breastfeeding. However, it has only a coordinating role and does not carry out any monitoring activity. Finally, there is no information on the existence of a specific National Breastfeeding Committee or Coordinator.

Regarding protection of breastfeeding, in 1994, Tanzania has adopted a National Regulation for Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and Designated Products. However, its revision has not been endorsed yet and there is very poor awareness of its content at all levels and in most sectors.

In addition, in 2010, only 37% of the hospitals in the country were certified as “baby-friendly" and maternity leave is only available every 3 years and does not cover women in the informal sector. Even though 9 women out of 10 know that HIV can be transmitted through breastfeeding, the estimated rate of mother-to-child transmission in 2013 was 15.8%. Last but not least, the country does not have any plan to protect and support breastfeeding in case of emergencies.

Discussion on infant and young child feeding

The CRC Committee first noted that in the last years, the overall budget allocated to health has decreased and that the country shows high rates of maternal, neonatal and infant mortality. It asked the delegation if there is any initiative or measure in place to address the issue of the very high maternal mortality, which has a direct impact on child survival. 

The Committee also raised specific questions on breastfeeding. It asked for further clarifications on the activities to promote breastfeeding in relation with the National Breastfeeding Week. Regarding the High Level Steering Committee on Nutrition, it asked which is its role regarding breastfeeding promotion in the country, especially within hospitals facilities.

The Tanzanian delegation answered that during the National Breastfeeding Week, awareness-raising activities such as seminars, distribution of ICT materials, workshops on importance of breastfeeding, trainers’ training on breastfeeding and HIV, information on the International Code and on optimal breastfeeding practices have been organized and a promotional campaign on exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age has been launched. The delegation added that the High Level Steering Committee on Nutrition is in charge to ensure that proper resources are allocated to provide good nutrition to the population including through fortification of oil, wheat and maize.

The Committee expressed further concern about the very low rate of institutional delivery and asked how, in this conditions, does the government ensure that all mothers have access to correct information about the best way to feed their child. Besides, it emphasized that almost half of the mothers do not breastfeed until 6 months and asked what measures are taken to tackle this issue. It also asked what kind of regulations of the marketing of breastmilk substitutes are in place in order to allow mothers to make the correct information, and noted that guaranteeing that mothers are enable to optimally  breastfeed leads to huge public savings and places children in the best situation to start their life.

In a follow-up question, the Committee noted that the rate of early initiation of breastfeeding is very low in the country and emphasized its crucial importance for the baby’s as well as for the mother’s health. The Committee also asked if there is any programme to help mothers in terms of lactation, noting that the rate of continued breastfeeding until 2 years is particularly low. Regarding breastfeeding protection, supposedly ensured by the implementation of the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative, it asked if there is any regulation regarding baby foods advertisements in hospitals. On the access to emergency obstetric care, the Committee asked what is the coverage of skilled attendants at birth and if there are trainings for traditional birth attendants. Regarding the large number of young mothers, it asked if there are any family planning services in the country.

The delegation highlighted the importance of breastfeeding in the first months of life for the healthy development of brain. It explained that breastfeeding importance is raised in one of the guidelines on IMCI (Integrated Management of Child Illnesses) and also through parenting education. Promotion of breastfeeding is also done through dissemination of ICT materials in health centers, hospitals and schools. The delegation further noted that the Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority has implemented regulations on the marketing of breastmilk substitutes and is providing information through national media on the best use of breastfeeding instead of formula feeding. Besides, the Tanzania Bureau of Standards is in charge of controlling the food standards and making screens.

Concluding Observations

In its Concluding Observations, the Committee issued recommendations indirectly related to infant and young child feeding. With regard to health and health services, the Committee stated its concerns over the persistent high maternal mortality and morbidity rates, the limited access to health care services to children poverty and remote and rural areas, and the prevalence of chronic malnutrition, leading to stunting and the limited access to safe drinking water and sanitation (§ 53).

Therefore, the Committee urged Tanzania to allocate sufficient financial and human resources to health services, particularly mentioning the trained care at delivery as well as improved care for new-borns and during the neonatal period, antenatal care and services for infants and preschool children at primary health centres (§ 54a). It also requested Tanzania to “establish more child and maternal health clinics and access to safe and trained delivery [...]” (§ 54b).

Specifically addressing the issue of children nutrition, the Committee recommended Tanzania to “strengthen national strategies to address the critical nutritional needs of children, particularly among the most vulnerable groups, through targeted interventions” and to “improve access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities and ensure sustainability, availability, sufficiency and affordability to all, particularly children” (§ 53c-d).

Finally, the Committee urged the country to implement the OHCHR Technical guidance child mortality (A/HRC/27/31) (§ 54 e) which includes specific recommendations on breastfeeding protection (including the implementation of the International Code) and promotion.

Croatia at the CRC: Job Insecurity for Working Mothers and Low Rate of Exclusive Breastfeeding

On the 15th September 2014, the Committee on the Rights of the Child considered the combined Third and Fourth Periodic Report of the Republic of Croatia on the situation of the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the country. The delegation of Croatia was led by the Assistant Minister for Social Policy, Strategy and Youth, Ministry of Social Policy and Youth, Mr. Hrvoje Sararić and includes the Senior Expert Advisor, Service for Children and Family, Ministry of Social Policy and Youth, Ms. Sabina Morosini Turčinović.

On this occasion, IBFAN presented an alternative report to inform the CRC Committee on the situation of infant and young child feeding in Croatia.

General overview of breastfeeding in Croatia

Information related to breastfeeding is not part of the national data collection survey. Such data are instead based on reports prepared by individual institutions or researchers.

In Croatia breastfeeding is generally considered the appropriate and desirable way to feed a newborn baby. Indeed, the rate of early initiation of breastfeeding is high (98%-99% in 2008-2009 and 91%-94% in 2011). However, there is a lack of awareness of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and the risks associated to formula feeding. This leads to premature cessation of breastfeeding. Indeed, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months is very low (14.8%). Finally, Croatia lacks also of human milk banks, as there are none in the country.

In 2006 a National Breastfeeding Committee (NBC) was established by the Ministry of Health. In 2007 the National Program for Breastfeeding Protection and Promotion was completed by the NBC. However, such Program has not been implemented yet.

The Ordinance on Baby Foods for Infants and Young Children and Processed Cereal-Based Foods for Infants and Young Children (OJ 74/08) transposes the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes for the first time into a national legal measure. However, an appropriate monitoring system is missing.

It is worthwhile to mention that numerous courses on breastfeeding are available for health professionals in Croatia, albeit on a voluntary basis. However, the knowledge, attitudes and practices of most health professionals are still deficient.

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was successfully revived by UNICEF Croatia in 2006. As a consequence, 30 out of 31 maternity facilities are currently designated as ‘Baby-Friendly’. However, there has been a rapid drop in ‘Baby-Friendly’ standards following the BFHI designation.

Croatian job market (in both private and public sectors) discriminates against women. In particular, contracts are often terminated when the woman becomes pregnant or gives birth. By contrast, different kinds of maternity leave are available. Moreover, during the first 12 months after the child’s birth, mothers who are breastfeeding are entitled to two hours absence from work.

Plans of action and accompanying materials need to be prepared and finalised by the NBC and the Ministry of Health in order to be capable of coping with future emergencies.

Discussion on infant and young child feeding

The Committee specifically addressed the issue of breastfeeding. It welcomed the increase of mothers who choose to breastfeed (95%). However, it expressed concern with regard to baby food companies’ marketing and advertising concerning formulas and breastmilk substitutes.

The Delegation of Croatia pointed out the adoption in 2012 of a specific program aiming at promoting breastfeeding as the best practice and encouraging women to breastfeed. It also stressed the existence of a Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Breastfeeding.

Croatia expressed satisfaction with regard to the results brought by such a Program, especially in relation to breastfeeding in the first 3 months of life. Indeed, according to the Delegation, in the 3-year period of implementation of such Program, exclusive breastfeeding have increased dramatically. 95% of women exclusively breastfeed during the first days, whilst this rate decreases with time going by. In particular, 40% of women exclusively breastfeed after six months.

By addressing a specific concern of the Committee, the Delegation clarified that children can stay day and night with mothers who breastfeed while in hospitals.

The Delegation highlighted then the existence of a group for support led by nurses which gathers women and advised them in relation to breastfeeding. Furthermore, 8 counselling teams exist, which are well-recognised also outside the country.

It was acknowledged that until 2007, women in hospitals used to receive the so-called “happy baby” package, which contained advertisement for baby formulas. However, in 2007, a guideline was adopted prohibiting this package as well as other kind of advertisement in hospitals. Nonetheless, in the knowledge of the Delegation, this kind of advertisement is currently made in pharmacies, shopping malls and other places. Croatia declared its willingness to persist with the above-mentioned Program and continue to encourage breastfeeding. It also asserted that aggressive advertising will be prohibited, even outside the hospital system.

Furthermore, the Committee asked more generally for further information with regard to children’s rights and the business sector. Mr. Sararić, the Head of the Delegation, acknowledged that a balance between personal and working life is difficult in Croatia. However, the Croatian Government is endeavouring to better tackle this issue through the National Family Policy which is still under progress. Relevant measures need to be identified yet. In particular, Mr. Sararić mentioned the necessity to raise awareness about the strong need of family-working life balance within the business sector.

Concluding Observations

In its Concluding Observations, the Committee made several indirect recommendations. With regard to the general measures of implementation, it urged Croatia to “expedite the adoption of the new National Strategy for Protection and Promotion of the Rights of the Child for 2014-2020 and ensure that it includes concrete goals and measures” (§9) and “to expeditiously improve its data collection system” (§15).

Regarding health issues, the Committee recommended that Croatia “strengthen its efforts to ensure that all children enjoy equal access to health services” as well as “allocate adequate human resources to maintain the quality of health care”.

Additionally, the Committee issued direct recommendations related to infant and young child feeding (§ 49). It requested Croatia to “take action to improve the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, through awareness-raising measures, the provision of information and training to relevant officials, particularly staff working in maternity units, and parents”. It also recommends that the Government “take all the necessary legislative and structural measures, including monitoring, to control the marketing of breast-milk substitutes”.

Fiji at the CRC: BFHI Implemented, but Still to Be Strengthened

On the 4th and 5th September 2014, the Committee on the Rights of the Child considered the combined Second to Fourth Periodic Report of Fiji on the situation of the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the country.

On this occasion, IBFAN presented an alternative report to inform the CRC Committee on the situation of infant and young child feeding in Fiji.

General overview of breastfeeding in Fiji

The alternative report showed that 39.8% of infants aged six months or less are exclusively breastfed. Furthermore, a large proportion of children aged 6 months or less are given water (79.6%) as well as sweetened drinks. These data reveal therefore a lack of knowledge about optimal breastfeeding practices.

According to the 2011 World Breastfeeding Trends initiative (WBTi) report on Fiji, a national Infant and Young Child Feeding/Breastfeeding policy was adopted by the Government. Such a policy provided a National Breastfeeding Committee that is however now defunct. Moreover, the WBTi report stresses that “Information, Education and Communication” materials are available only in English.

The Government of Fiji has fully implemented the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (the Code) in its entirety. However, an informal monitoring in a supermarket in November 2011 highlighted that complementary food labelling the product as suitable for age 4-6 months has been only partially obscured, which constitutes a violation of the Code.

The report highlighted that Fiji has established a national Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) coordinator. By the beginning of 2009, all its 12 public hospitals were certified as “baby-friendly”. Nevertheless, two main problems have been encountered in its implementation. Firstly, hospitals fail to refresh BFHI courses every two years (as the WHO recommends) and, secondly, mothers are not provided for contacts of health care persons.

According to a study conducted by the Fiji Journal of Public Health, 57% of women who do not exclusively breastfeed pinpoint work as the obstacle to exclusively breastfeeding. The Fijian legislation provides indeed only 84 consecutive (12 weeks) days as maternity leave entitlement. For the first three births, such a leave is paid at the normal remuneration rate, whilst from the fourth child, the mother is entitled to only half the normal salary. Additionally, it is worth noting that there are no provisions concerning paid or unpaid breaks during work hours.

As far as HIV and infant feeding is concerned, it must be noted that a comprehensive policy on infant and young child feeding that includes infant feeding and HIV is lacking.

In coordination with UNICEF and WHO, Fiji developed a flyer on infant feeding during emergencies. However, neither a national plan nor a focus person has been identified to coordinate activities.

Discussion on infant and young child feeding

The Fijian Delegation first stated that the infant mortality rate in Fiji is of 13.7 per 1,000 live births and that perinatal mortality represents an important component of the mortality of children under 5 years old. Regarding maternal health, the Delegation indicated that last year, 4 maternal deaths have been registered in the country. The family health units deal particularly with women’s health, children health (including immunization) and reproductive health as well as with the fight against HIV. The Delegation also indicated that according an immunization state study, the immunization coverage rate is of 84.9%. It further stated that in 2014, collaborative, comprehensive guidelines on child protection aimed at health workers have been issued and that trainings of health professionals on this issue have been organized. Community health trainings are supported by family health units and include training of health professionals on issues related with neonatal intensive care units.

The Committee asked how many women breastfeed their child, by emphasizing that breastfeeding ties very closely with child’s health as well as whether the National Breastfeeding Committee is still operational.

The Delegation noted that suboptimal breastfeeding practices in Fiji contribute to increase the burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Therefore, breastfeeding and infant and young child feeding are part of the National Strategic Plan for NCDs. The Delegation also indicated that during the first decade of 20th century, Fiji has developed the implementation of the BFHI; during this period, the 3 main hospitals of the countries have been certified as “baby-friendly”. However, there is a current decline in the implementation of the BFHI. The Delegation further emphasized Fiji’s endorsement of the International Code on Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and informed the Committee that the National Breastfeeding Committee’s plans to hold a meeting on the 24th September 2014. Finally, the Delegation indicated that “Information, Education and Communication” materials are now available in Ataque language but have not been translated into other languages yet.

The Committee expressed further its concern about the current decline of Code implementation. It also highlighted that regular monitoring of the national legislation implementing the Code through an effective monitoring mechanism is crucial. With regard to the implementation of the BFHI and the Ten Steps to successful breastfeeding, the Committee noted that the training of health professionals and the monitoring of these trainings are very important. Finally, the Committee insisted on the importance of monitoring the marketing practices that occur in hospitals in order to make sure that Code policies are followed.

Concluding Observations

In the Concluding Observations, several indirect recommendations were made by the Committee. With regard to the general measures of implementation, it urged Fiji “to take all necessary steps to provide for a timely adoption of [a national comprehensive policy and strategy for children], and to ensure that sufficient human, technical and financial resources are allocated to facilitate its implementation" (§9). It also recommended that Fiji “take all necessary efforts to establish a comprehensive data collection system” (§15). 

Concerning health issues, the Committee recommended that Fiji “strengthen its efforts to further reduce the under-5 and infant mortality rate, especially by focusing on preventive measures and treatment, including immunization, improved nutrition and sanitary conditions, in particular in remote areas”. It also requested the Government to “enforce its efforts to improve prenatal care and further reduce maternal mortality, including by increasing the training of midwives and ensuring the generalization of specific actions to prevent post-partum bleeding and other major causes of maternal death” (§ 42).

Furthermore, the Committee issued direct recommendations related to infant and young child feeding (§54). It recommended that Fiji “ensure that every hospital with a new-born nursery is regularly monitored on adequate implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. It also urged Fiji to “raise awareness on the importance of breastfeeding and on the risks of formula feeding” and to “promote proper breastfeeding practices, as well as develop a policy on infant and young child feeding practices, which includes infant feeding and HIV".