PHA-Exchange> WABA Global Forum 2
World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action
secr at waba.po.my
Tue Sep 25 20:07:34 PDT 2001
Save the dates!
WABA GLOBAL FORUM 2
23-27 September 2002, Arusha, Tanzania
Nurturing the Future-Challenges to Breastfeeding in the 21st Century
The WABA Global Forum 2 will bring together a diverse group of individuals and
organisations and provide a unique opportunity to discuss, review and formulate
strategies to improve infant and young child health, nutrition and care through the
protection, support and promotion of breastfeeding, with the focus on the community. The
Forum 2 aims to provide an opportunity for rallying worldwide participation in the
movement to protect, support and promote breastfeeding and childcare, and spread
awareness on the rights of children and women to adequate food, health and care
especially in developing countries.
Forum 2 will focus on:
Researchwhich provides the evidence base for appropriate actions
Capacitybuilding to enable groups to implement more effective actions
Popularmobilisation to ensure that actions are community and people-centered
WABA invites participation from individuals and groups interested in the topics of Forum
2, ranging from health, women, children, environmental and consumer groups, to
individuals such as health workers and young people.
Attached with this email are:
1. Preliminary Announcement in pdf: layout version to print for dissemination
2. Preliminary Announcement in Word: text only
3. Reply form (DEADLINE: 30 October 2001)
We have also put them on our website <www.waba.org.br>. Please also share this
announcement to those who would be interested.
We look forward to hearing from you and your participation at the coming WABA Global
Forum 2, Arusha, Tanzania. So, save the dates and plan to join us in the WABA Global
Forum 2!
With best wishes,
WABA Secretariat
P.O. Box 1200, 10850 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-6584816
Fax: 604-6572655
Email: secr at waba.po.my
======================= Preliminary Announcement – Save the Dates!
Nurturing The Future:
Challenges to Breastfeeding in the 21st Century
WABA GLOBAL FORUM 2
23-27 September 2002, Arusha, Tanzania
The Key Facts
The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) announces plans to hold their Second
Global Forum entitled Nurturing the Future: Challenges to Breastfeeding in the 21st
Century. The Forum will bring together a diverse group of individuals and organisations
and provide a unique opportunity to discuss, review and formulate strategies to improve
infant and young child health, nutrition and care through the protection, support and
promotion of breastfeeding, with the focus on the community.
Forum 2 will focus on:
Researchwhich provides the evidence base for appropriate actions
Capacitybuilding to enable groups to implement more effective actions
Popularmobilisation to ensure that actions are community and people-centered
With its African venue, Forum 2 will focus on lessons the rest of the world can learn
from this unique and age-old breastfeeding culture and ways of protecting it from today’s
threats, varying from the baby food industry and its exploitation of the HIV/AIDS issue
to globalisation and free marketeer’s efforts to destroy the Code. The Forum has been
planned with assistance, funding, and enthusiastic support of a host of groups involved
in the breastfeeding and allied movements, including women, environment, consumer, human
rights and food security groups.
. . . What?
The two main goals of the Second WABA Global Forum are:
To provide an opportunity for rallying worldwide participation in the movement to
protect, support and promote breastfeeding and childcare;
To spread awareness on the rights of children and women to adequate food, health and care
especially in developing countries.
. . . Where?
Forum 2 will be held in the city of Arusha in northern Tanzania. With a temperate climate
and its location close to Mount Kilimanjaro, the city offers excellent conference and
hotel facilities and is close to world-famous attractions such as Serengetti National
Park and the Ngorogoro Crater.
. . . Who?
WABA invites participation from individuals and groups interested in the topics of Forum
2, ranging from women, children, environmental and consumer groups, to individuals such
as health workers and young people. There will be a strong training and capacity building
focus. The presence of many experts in the fields of health and nutrition, child care and
community participatory action will make it possible to share skills and knowledge about
advances along a wide front.
Key Issues
The thrust of the Forum programme is on the primary goal of the Innocenti Declaration:
all women should be enabled to practise exclusive breastfeeding for six months and to
continue to breastfeed while providing appopriate complementary foods, for up to two
years of age or beyond. WABA aims to do this through strengthening the four Innocenti
targets and addressing key issues:
HIV/AIDS
A strategy to strengthen the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding in the
face of HIV/AIDS.
MaternityProtection
Inspiring the development of regional and national strategies for implementing the new
ILO Convention 183 on Maternity Protection by promoting its ratification. Also strengthen
maternity protection among women working in the informal sector.
The Code
Continue to strengthen the promotion of the International Code of Marketing of
Breastmilk Substitutes in the face of the baby food industry’s recent marketing
initiatives (such as new ways of marketing via the Internet, and promotion during
emergencies). Adopting the Code is part of governments’ obligation when they implement
the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
MotherSupport
Recognise and strengthen mother support groups and other community based support
systems. WABA is developing a Global Initiative on Mother Support (GIMS) as a means to
build support from the grassroots as well as from international organisations to foster
global initiative to support women throughout their reproductive cycle and in particular
before, during and after birth. GIMS aims to link with the UNICEF CARE Initiative and
other relevant international programmes and initiatives.
BFHI& Birthing Practices
Extend the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) to include good birthing practices
in order to transform the BFHI into a Mother-Baby Friendly Initiative. Work with UN
agencies and others to develop new guidelines for maternity care and a joint declaration
for maternity. BFHI practitioners have noted that poor birthing practices lead to poor
breastfeeding initiation.
What's New
ThisForum will expand the horizons for the breastfeeding movement, moving us into
unchartered territory and linking us with new partners.
Our African venue will lend an African perspective to the proceedings, giving us all a
chance to learn from one of the world’s strongest breastfeeding cultures.
The most dynamic international activism today is pitting people power against market
power and globalisation. The breastfeeding movement must harness and join this effort to
ensure that the free market is never allowed to mean free access for the baby food and
transgenic food industries to our babies.
The way that the threat of transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to infant is now being
dealt with is a bigger threat to breastfeeding than the virus itself. We must update
ourselves, become proactive and build a united front calling for science and ethics, not
politics and Northern domination, to determine which approaches are used.
Thereis momentum toward protecting, respecting and facilitating the breastfeeding rights
of working women. The Forum will bring us up to date on ratification and implementation
of the new ILO Maternity Protection Convention 183 and explore how to expand coverage to
informal workers.
Againand again the mass media exploit breastfeeding’s emotive quality, especially
regarding environmental pollutants. The Forum will empower us all to proactively and
confidently deal with this locally, putting us in contact with scientific data,
environmental groups, UN and other statements.
Forum2 will launch a new international initiative for support to mothers. For the first
time all the necessary component of the support we all know is necessary to enable
mothers to breastfeed successfully will be explored and mobilised simultaneously.
Joinus in setting up a Hall of Fame to celebrate the movement’s successes and a Hall of
Shame to document past and present industry violations of the International Code of
Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and Subsequent WHO Resolutions—and dirty tricks!
Breastfeedingworks best where it is the norm, supported by community and family
structures. Yet we have so far failed to develop many community-based approaches to
protect, support and promote breastfeeding. The Forum will showcase what has been done so
far and provide a brainstorming arena in which new approaches can be designed for the
settings in which you live and work.
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is the most widespread of all breastfeeding
programmes. We will explore how to build on it to achieve baby and mother friendliness
throughout the health care system, including birthing and will discuss the threat posed
by misinformation about HIV/AIDS.
Background
The first WABA Global Forum was held five years ago in December 1996 in Bangkok (see WABA
website www.waba.br.org). It resulted in building, inspiring and strengthening the
breastfeeding movement and it led to new activities, and brought on board new partners.
Many network members have over the past few years expressed the need for another such
revitalising Forum.
Several brainstorming sessions on the goals, objectives and programme of Forum 2 have
taken place from 1999-2001. These meetings have confirmed the validity of the first Forum
goals, major themes and programme as well as laid out the Ten Critical Areas for Action
(see back page). They have especially recognised the need to strengthen the
implementation of the Innocenti Declaration targets and to move beyond it to support such
activities as more humane birthing practices, good maternity care and greater community
support.
Pre-Forum Meeting on HIV and Breastfeeding
It is proposed that a two-day international meeting be held in Arusha to discuss the
important topic of appropriate infant feeding for babies born to HIV-positive mothers and
the impact of the HIV pandemic on support for breastfeeding. Mother to child transmission
(MTCT) of HIV occurs in utero, during child birth and through breastfeeding. The meeting
will concentrate on infection occurring through breastfeeding, and on the importance of
risk assessment both in advice to mothers and in public policy. That is, the risk of HIV
transmission through breastfeeding versus the risk of not breastfeeding. Alternative
methods of infant feeding will be discussed. The impact of concern about MTCT on
activities in support of breastfeeding such as BFHI, Code implementation, World
Breastfeeding Week and others will also be reviewed.
10 Critical Areas for Action
WABA Global Forum 2, Nurturing the Future: Challenges to Breastfeeding in the 21st
Century
23-27 September 2002, Arusha, Tanzania
1. HIV/AIDS
Participants will be presented with the latest scientific information on mother to child
transmission of HIV/AIDS. They will critically review research and pilot study outcomes,
UN policies and various organisations’ position statements and learn about risk
assessment both to assist individuals and policy makers and will develop appropriate
guidelines for their settings. Best practices will also be shared.
2. National Breastfeeding Mechanisms
Lessons learned from a global survey on the first Innocenti target and from existing
committees will be examined. Based on this, a recommended terms of reference for such a
committee will be produced and a strategy for putting together one that has a clear
mandate, a budget, and accountability.
3. Popular Mobilisation
Best practices in community mobilising initiatives to support breastfeeding will be
presented. Participants will learn and share various popular mobilisation techniques
(e.g. WBW), develop skills in proposal-writing, advocacy, and linking breastfeeding to
broader global campaigns, such as UNICEF’s Global Movement for Children.
4. Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative
Participants will discuss how to build on the best practices in the BFHI to achieve
mother and baby friendliness throughout the health care system including non-interventive
maternity
care and birthing practices, and to change health worker curricula accordingly. A
discussion of the decline in government, WHO and UNICEF support for BFHI will take place
and recommendations for strengthening the BFHI in the era of HIV/AIDS will be developed.
5. Globalisation
Participants will discuss the risks and dangers to breastfeeding of the introduction of
transgenic human milk components in infant formula, genetically-modified foods, and of
market liberalisation and globalisation in general. Concerns over the increasing power of
transnational corporations versus weakening of governments, the role of World Trade
Organisation and related topics will be discussed. Creative ideas for action are expected
to emerge regarding how to build linkages with other actors working to create a world
that puts people first.
6. The International Code
Discuss the Code, and subsequent WHA resolutions, as a unique international effort to
control the marketing activities of baby food comnpanies, in order to actively protect
the health and well-being of babies. Celebrate the movement’s successes (Hall of Fame)
and document past and present industry violations and dirty tricks (Hall of Shame).
Participants will be offered training in code implementation, monitoring and reporting
techniques for use in their own setting.
7. Support for Working Women
Participants will be updated on progress around the world in ratifying and implementing
the new ILO Maternity Protection Convention 183. Join brainstorming and project planning
efforts to extend work on breastfeeding rights to women working, including the informal
sector. Training on establishing mother-friendly workplaces and child-friendly creches
will be available.
8. Breastfeeding and the Environment
Discuss breastfeeding as an environmentally friendly activity and how alternative feeding
methods have adverse environmental impacts. Every breastfeeding advocate needs to know
how to deal locally with recurring attacks on breastfeeding, whether intended or not,
that result from environmental scares based on breastmilk contaminants. Join us in
reviewing the scientific data, learning about key statements by environmental health and
justice groups and relevant UN statements, and developing our own statement and action
plan.
9. Outreach to Women’s Organisations
Develop ways to build links with organisations working on women’s issues and gender
equality and help establish common agendas and actions. Join the dialogue on women’s
empowerment and related concerns (e.g. health, nutrition).
10. International Initiative for Support to Mothers
For the first time ever, WABA is bringing together all the forces working for the various
kinds of support needed by breastfeeding mothers from the health care and employment
sectors, other experienced women, the family and community. Groups will share their
experiences on their early work and success stories. You are invited to join and help
shape this Initiative in your own area.
The Ten Critical Areas for Action were identified by the 36 participants from 21
countries of the
Global Breastfeeding Partners Meeting held in Salvador, Brazil, 23-25 July 2001.
Further details regarding registration, travel, accomodations and the Forum Programme
will be available in December 2001. The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) is
a global people’s initiative to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. WABA acts on
the Innocenti Declaration targets and works in close liaison with the United Nations
Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Contact us at: WABA, PO Box 1200, 10850 Penang, Malaysia Tel:
604-658 4816 l Fax: 604-657 2655 Email: secr at waba.po.my Website: www.waba.org.br
www.waba.org.my
–––END–––
REPLY FORM
WABA GLOBAL FORUM 2
NURTURING THE FUTURE:
CHALLENGES TO BREASTFEEDING IN THE 21ST CENTURY
23-27 September 2002, Arusha, Tanzania
To help prepare for the Forum, please complete this form and return it to the WABA
Secretariat not later than 30 October 2001. The purpose of this form is to identify
groups and individuals who are potentially interested in attending the Forum or
contributing to its programme. The responses received will be used to develop a
provisional Forum programme that we plan to send out in December 2001 with an official
registration form.
q Yes! I am interested in attending the Forum.
q Yes! Please send me the Registration Package.
Name:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Organisation:
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Address:
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Country: ___________________________ Telephone: ___________________ Fax: ____________
Email:____________________
I would like to participate and contribute by:
q Presenting a paper entitled: ____________________________________________________
q Presenting a poster on: _______________________________________________________
q Presenting a case study on: ____________________________________________________
q Setting up an information booth/exhibit on: ________________________________________
q Selling publications/products: __________________________________________________
My organisation/I would like to organise a special event/s:
q Workshop on: ____________________________________________________________
q Training session on: ________________________________________________________
q Others: _________________________________________________________________
Any additional comments and suggestions (attach additional paper if necessary):
__________________________________
The Global Forum does not accept funds or gifts from manufacturers of breastmilk
substitutes, commercial complementary foods, feeding bottles and other products used in
infant feeding such as breast pumps. WABA encourages all participants to adopt the same
ethical stance.
Please complete this form and return to WABA by
_30 October 2001
Fax: 604-6572655
WABA Global Forum 2, WABA Secretariat
PO Box 1200, 10850 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-6584816 l Fax: 604-6572655
Email: secr at waba.po.my
Website: www.waba.org.br l www.waba.org.my
More information about the PHM-Exchange
mailing list