We appreciate that the opening paragraphs emphasize the right to adequate food. However, for the outcome document to help the still existing divide between food and nutrition, these opening paragraphs should ensure this gap begins to be closed in this Declaration by always referring to the right to adequate FOOD and NUTRITION.
With regard to the list of commitments which should be footnoted under Para 2, we wish to ensure that also the Global Strategy on Infant and Young Child Feeding (WHO 2003) with it protect, promote and support framework, and the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and subsequent relevant WHA resolutions are listed.
Rationale: In this manner the contribution of women/mothers to the attainment of the right to adequate food and nutrition and the right to health will be at least implicitly recognized. It is important to not forget that women, by providing 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding to their child are THE perfect food system feeding a population of 0-6 months old with food which is tailored to the need of the consumer, healthy, in the right quantity and quality, available on demand and environment friendly (no packaging transport and required, no discarding of rubbish, packaging etc.). Breastfeeding continues to provide an important contribution to infant’s and young child’s food security well into the second year of the child’s life and beyond. However, this ‘food system’ is also influenced by social, political, economic and environmental contexts and requires inputs in a form of policies that ensure respect, protection and promotion (facilitation). policies and programmes that support it. Today, less than 52 of 135 million children are being optimally breastfed despite the fact that breastfeeding is cited internationally as one of the most cost effective ‘interventions’ in mother and child health. Thus apart from the poor nutritional and health outcomes and thus major gap in attainment of the right to adequate food and nutrition, this alsos means an enormous waste in resources. When we use market prices to value the milk that women produce around the world each year, it highlights that women’s capacity to breastfeed is an extremely valuable national asset. Worldwide, its value is around USD 1983 billion a year based on breastfeeding rates and demographics in the UNICEF state of the world’s children report. Therefore it’s important to act on several fronts, including this political declaration, to normalise breastfeeding, ensure mothers do not suffer discrimination and are supported in their country and community, including through their own right to adequate food and nutrition being met, as they are making this enourmous contribution to the attainment of the child’s right.
[See specific comments in the attachment, Ed.]
Dr. Lida Lhotska