A UN-linked report says aggressive marketing of powdered baby milk, called formula, is harming child health in middle- and lower-middle-income countries. The report says replacing formula with breastfeeding could prevent an estimated 800,000 deaths of children under five and 20,000 breast cancer deaths among mothers each year, according to WHO and UNICEF.
The analysis surveyed many parents and health workers in cities across several countries, including Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. It found that women were more likely to choose formula after seeing marketing, even though a majority wanted to breastfeed exclusively. The report says companies use common messages that promote myths about breastfeeding and that some health workers are also targeted. It calls for stronger campaigns to protect and support exclusive breastfeeding for babies under six months.
Difficult words
- aggressive — using strong or forceful methods to sell
- powdered — made into a dry powder for later use
- formula — baby food sold in shops as milk substitute
- breastfeeding — feeding a baby with the mother's own milk
- prevent — stop something bad from happening or starting
- marketing — activities, like ads, to promote and sell products
- myth — a common false idea that many people believemyths
- exclusive breastfeeding — only giving a baby mother's milk, no other food
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you seen advertisements for baby milk where you live? How did they make you feel?
- What could hospitals or health workers do to support exclusive breastfeeding for six months?
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