Infants' right to food Assessing where countries stand Name: Mohamed Saeed Country: Maldives

Inappropriate promotion of baby foods Why Inappropriate? Displayed in Pharmacies Attracts mothers to feed IF Some pediatrician prescribe

WBTi assessment Benefits of WBTi: 1. monitoring and evaluation of the IYCF programme implementation, 2. enable us to compare our country with neighboring countries, 3. encourage learning and sharing of experiences among countries, 4 improve our efforts, take further action based on the identified gaps 5. Eventually, our programmes will contribute to national achievement of the MDG's 4 and 5.Key Indicators that are being monitored Training of doctors and nurses on counseling for exclusive breastfeeding were conducted in Male and Atolls,

Conflict of Interest Paediatricians should recognise the influence of infant formula milk companies and avoid intentionally or inadvertently promoting them The promotion of breast feeding is a high priority for most paediatricians, yet many, inadvertently, assist infant formula milk companies (IFMCs) in their marketing, thereby undermining breast feeding.

Conflict of Interest National regulation on BMS and infant foods has not been implemented. There has been repeated postponing of the date of enforcement, mainly due to pressure from traders and suppliers of BMS. The amendments of the civil service regulations, limited the number of days of maternity leave awarded from 60 days excluding weekends and public holidays to total of 60 calender days irrespective of holidays

Conflict of Interest Suggestions: The time has come for paediatricians to recognise the influence of IFMCs, shake off their silken chains, and become truly uncompromised advocates for breast feeding and against the hazards of formula milk. Adequate budgets for implementation of the plans should be provided. Ensure IYCF counseling training of community workers, counsellors, paramedical and medical personnel. Include a research component in all IYCF plans and programmes ensuring no ‘conflict of interest’ and application of the Code/national legislation. Sensitize policy makers at local, national and regional level on IYCF policies, actions and legislations, for proactive support to infant feeding and effective programme implementation.

Maternity Benefits Paid maternity leave for 2 months by law Absolute prohibition against the dismissal of a worker during maternity leave for any reason. Every woman delivered of a child who returns to duty is allowed in the course of her daily work two breaks of the prescribed duration for nursing the child until the child attains the age of fifteen months. Every women is entitles to take 12 months unpaid leave ( no dismissal during this period)