[afro-nets] Virtual Global Community of Practice on Health Worker Migration (2)

["Claudio Schuftan" <cschuftan@phmovement.org>]

Amazing how we tend to "solve" all problems with 'dialogues' and 'codes'. Some might say: it is an initial step and we are working towards it. But really, what are CODES for?  What are Resolutions for?

As I write these lines I´m thinking about the International Code for Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. Ecuador signed it in 1981 and so far, nothing has been done: not a single law, not a more socially responsible food industry, not ethical or better informed pediatricians, not even more empowered women giving breastmilk instead of formula. In fact nowadays in Ecuador,  Nestlé is launching a campaign for "healthy eating" / weight control. Pediatricians are prescribing (not that we need a prescription) more and more formula and women find themselves with no breastmilk to offer to their babies.

We have not targeted any structural cause (rigid work schedules that left women without the chance to breastfeed, unethical/covered advertising of formula and baby food, money invested by food companies in the health sector, etc) and we are still hopeful that more codes will solve the health sector crisis.

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Erika Arteaga 
mailto:erikarteagacruzm@hotmail.com