World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year from August 1st-7th and the themes chosen take the breastfeeding movement far beyond the traditional circle of health workers, consumers and breastfeeding advocates. The WABA secretariat provides brochures, posters and web sites. In particular, the action folder produced annually for World Breastfeeding Week provides many ideas on how to involve other groups and reach new constituencies. CI has continued to be a partner in the struggle to improve infant health and in the implementation of the International Code and Resolutions. Consumers worldwide can be important allies in the infant feeding issue to contribute to the universal implementation of the Code.
Consumer movements are usually widespread, articulate and well-organised.
Forming partnerships with consumer groups is an effective means to enhance our work to protect breastfeeding by documenting and investigating company malpractice. Many of the major pharmaceutical companies also market baby milks and foods. HAI groups have worked on the withdrawal of the indication for bromocriptine as a lactation-supressant. Marketed under the name of Parlodel, this drug has dangerous side-effects. HAI is also working on unethical drug promotion via the Internet.