The WHO Code (or simply, “The Code”) is a short name for the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, which was adopted by the World Health Assembly and UNICEF in 1981. Below are resources created to help individuals understand and become involved.
The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative ( The Baby Friendly Initiative in Canada) was launched in 1991 by the World Health Organization and Unicef “to help motivate facilities providing maternity and newborn services worldwide to implement the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” which includes compliance with the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes.
Because Canadian hospitals and other health care facilities are governed and managed locally, your patient feedback and advocacy may be critical to the implementation of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding in your community's health care institutions. Learn more here.