Issue: There has been hot international debate on whether the advisable duration of exclusive breastfeeding should be 4 months, 6 months, or some variation on that theme. Many players, from the World Health Organization (WHO) to AAP to the Surgeon-General, have made policy statements on this issue. Evidence-based assessment should lay the issue to rest, however, studies vary greatly due to study design and definition of breastfeeding, and conclusions vary depending on which outcome variable is used: One pattern may yield increased growth while another may yield decreased illness. An additional issue today is the issue of mother-to-child-transmission of HIV/AIDS and the potentially obviating role of exclusive breastfeeding. Commissioned Studies: This presentation will cover the scientific basis and history of the policy, and this year's long awaited WHO meta-analysis (coming available in March 2001). The meta-analysis will be critiqued, and other major recent research and analyses carried out by other international agencies will be reviewed in light of the outcome. The resultant policy outcomes at the World Health Assembly, May 2001, will also be reviewed and discussed. Conclusions: The author will reflect on her nearly 30 years of research and policy involvement in this controversy, lessons learned. Additionally, based on the WHO outcomes in March and May, opportunities and challenges that lay ahead will be discussed. See many
Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the complexities of an international health policy issue 2. Be able to give at least 3 historical facts as to why the original 4-6 month advice is no longer defensible 3. Understand the current status of the debate.
Keywords: Breastfeeding, International MCH
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: WHO
USAID
Commercial formula manufacturers, in general