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Sharjah has strengthened its reputation as an emerging epicenter for the highest standards in baby-friendliness, after concluding a highly successful conference on implementing the International Code for the Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes, which is the brainchild of the World Health Organization (WHO).
High-ranking international delegate and local top decision makers convened for the two-day event which was organized by the Sharjah Baby Friendly Emirate Campaign. At the conclusion of the conference, delegates recommended the establishment of a new Board that will spearhead the implementation of the Code was also unveiled.
The Code aims to shield mothers from aggressive promotion of milk substitutes, which might negatively impact babies’ health. Experts from the Sharjah Baby Friendly Emirate Campaign engaged attendees in lively discussions exploring how the Code has been implemented in other countries, mentioning some fascinating case studies and resolutions that have improved the Code. Special emphasis was on how Sharjah can become a world leader in this field by learning from global success stories and adapting these lessons to fit its unique society.
Dr Hessa Khalfan Al Ghazal, Executive Committee Director of the Sharjah Baby Friendly Emirate Campaign, explained: “We believe that to be the best, we must learn from the best. That’s why we have assembled the most experienced experts locally, with our special international guest. Throughout this event, we hope we will spread the message that Sharjah is championing this initiative as a passionate advocate of healthy babies and mothers. We are raising our campaign to the global level, where we aim to make Sharjah a proud role model of baby-friendliness worldwide."
Ms Joo Kean, a highly respected legal specialist from the International Code Documentation Center in Malaysia was the most prominent speaker at the event. High-ranking decision makers from the Emirate of Sharjah also expressed their support for the campaign’s work. One of the highlights was a tour of the impressive Maternal Child Health Center, the UAE’s very first baby-friendly center.
Speaking at the conference, Ms Joo Kean said: “From a legal point of view, the biggest challenge is how to implement the International Code in such a way that it does not violate the existing government regulations. I am delighted to say that compared to other countries that have implemented this Code, Sharjah is starting from an advanced level of knowledge which can fast-track its progress. I am confident that the Code can harmoniously co-exist side by side with Sharjah’s regulations.”
The Sharjah Baby Friendly Emirate Campaign was initiated in March 2012 under the generous patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Budoor bint Sultan Al Qassimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), President of the Campaign and Honorary President of the Breastfeeding Friends Association. The campaign encompasses four initiatives: Breastfeeding-Friendly Nurseries, Mother and Baby-Friendly Public Places, Mother-Friendly Workplaces and Baby-Friendly Health Facilities. The campaign is sponsored by Sharjah Islamic Bank.
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