[The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes : History, Content, and Significance].

Breastfeeding is the physiological form of infant feeding and has many well-documented benefits. Low breastfeeding rates and short lactation periods have significant negative ecological, economic, and social impact. The promotion of breastfeeding supports the health of children and mothers and reduces costs to the health system. However, the promotion of breastfeeding is regularly undermined by inappropriate advertising of breast milk substitutes. To counteract this, the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes was adopted by the World Health Assembly (WHA) in 1981. Although the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and its subsequent resolutions have been fully or partially incorporated into national law in 135 countries, the provisions of the Code are continually violated. These violations are almost always not punished at all or only insufficiently. For the promotion and protection of breastfeeding, it is essential that health workers are familiar with the Code and subsequent resolutions.This article presents and explains the history, content, and importance of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and gives an assessment of its implementation in practice.