The Department of Health and Sanitation in Trans Nzoia County, in partnership with USAID AMPATH Uzima, hosted a breakfast meeting on Thursday, bringing together government officials, health professionals, and key stakeholders to address the regulation of Breast Milk Substitutes (BMS). The focus of the meeting was to emphasize the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and strategize on enforcing the Breast Milk Substitutes Regulation and Control Act.
Dr. Norbert Musundi, Deputy County Director of Health, highlighted the significance of adhering to the Act, which was passed several years ago. “This meeting aims to unite stakeholders and devise a plan for handling the matter of BMS,” he said. Dr. Musundi also noted that enforcement and compliance with the Act have been insufficient, but with USAID AMPATH Uzima’s support, sensitization meetings for healthcare workers have already been conducted, and now it is crucial to involve other key players.
Dr. Musundi stressed the importance of collaboration with government agencies, including the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Judiciary, and the police. “While the Department of Health can focus on sensitization and training, we rely on these agencies for enforcement and legal support,” he added.
Margaret Kamau, a representative from USAID AMPATH Uzima, reiterated their commitment to working alongside the County government to enhance the health system. She emphasized a comprehensive approach to protecting breastfeeding, urging the involvement of society, policymakers, and individuals to ensure infant health is prioritized.
Lydia Kimani, the Trans Nzoia County Nutritionist, spoke on the numerous benefits of breastfeeding for infant health. She noted that exclusive breastfeeding rates in the county are slightly below the national average, according to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. “Promoting and protecting breastfeeding is essential to improving child health outcomes, and stakeholders must play an active role in this,” said Ms. Kimani.
Representatives from the Ministry of Health provided insights into existing policies and legislation governing breastfeeding in Kenya, stressing adherence to the Breast Milk Substitutes Regulation and Control Act and the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on strategies to enforce the regulations and ensure compliance. Stakeholders emphasized the need for increased awareness, collaboration among government agencies, and community involvement to effectively promote breastfeeding and protect infants’ health.
