Role of the world health organization in the promotion of breast-feeding.

In response to the global decline in breast-feeding initiation and duration rates, the World Health Organization has produced several documents to assist governments and health professionals to reverse the trend. The WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes addresses the detrimental influence of promotional methods by the infant formula industry. The recent WHO/UNICEF statement Protecting, Promoting and Supporting Breast-feeding has been prepared to increase the awareness of the critical role that health services play in promoting breast-feeding. To implement these statements, health professionals must be convinced of the unequalled superiority of breast milk. Examples of benefits of breast-feeding and risks of artificial feeding are given.