Since the start of the Global Partner Program over two years ago, membership in the program has steadily grown. Our partners now exceed 21 recognized global breastfeeding organizations, representing 20 countries.
In our dialogues with our Partner community, Partner representatives have affirmed one of our shared values: a deep commitment to raising awareness of and adherence to the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes (International Code). ILCA’s vision would not be possible without this mutual commitment.
At ILCA, we also recognize that all of the documents that guide our work are living documents. Remaining open to change is particularly critical as ILCA continues to bring more voices to the table from all corners of the globe, bringing a much-valued new perspective to all we do.
Our commitment to the International Code and to transforming world health through breastfeeding brought the Board of Directors to review the ILCA Global Partner agreement. Their goal was to ensure it reflects our collectively held needs and values.
With input from the International Code Committee and the Partners themselves, the ILCA Board of Directors has made revisions to clarify and strengthen the provisions of the agreement related to the International Code.
We would like to share with you the following changes to our ILCA Global Partner Agreement:
FORMER PARTNER AGREEMENT LANGUAGE
International Code Compliance.
Parties agree to maintain absolute adherence with International Code.
CURRENT PARTNER AGREEMENT LANGUAGE
International Code.
Parties agree to continuously meet their obligations as defined by the International Code. Consistent with the purpose and spirit of the International Code, parties agree to abide by the following:
a. Parties acknowledge their parent organization (if applicable) and subsidiary organizations (if applicable) are meeting their requirements under the International Code.
b. Parties agree to contribute to or accept funds only from those meeting their requirements under the International Code.
c. Parties agree to refrain from organizational practices that may present a conflict of interest with the International Code.
This is work in progress, but an important step. These changes demonstrate a collective commitment to the International Code and point to the leadership role the Global Partner network plans to play within the global breastfeeding community.
All of our current partners have reviewed and agreed upon the new language. Find a list of our current partners here.
We are also pleased to announce that we will shortly be welcoming a number of new Global Partners. Please watch here at Lactation Matters for updates!
We look forward to expanding the impact of our Global Partners and working together to advance the global breastfeeding agenda. With a united front on matters of the International Code, we are equipped to positively impact our world and, together with all of you, transform world health through breastfeeding and skilled lactation care.
Is it only the original International Code or the International Code AND the subsequent and subsequent, relevant Resolutions of the World Health Assembly?