BCNF Celebrates 10 Years of Advocacy and Urges Barbados to Champion Global Breastfeeding Protections

As the Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Foundation (BCNF) proudly marks 10 years of service to the people of Barbados, the organization reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding, both locally and in alignment with global breastfeeding protections that safeguard maternal and child health.

Part of its 10th anniversary celebrations, BCNF will roll out a series of initiatives, including community outreach, policy dialogues, media campaigns, and collaborative events, designed to highlight the importance of optimal child nutrition. These activities aim to renew national commitment to evidence-based public health practices and strengthen protections for children and families against misleading commercial marketing. Among the first events are a feature presentation by Dr. Alison Bernard, Executive Director of BCNF, on “Breastfeeding – Healthy Start, Healthy Children” at the Mental Health Expo Pop-Up at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre on Saturday, May 17th, and a 10th Anniversary Church Service at St. Francis of Assisi Church in St. James on Sunday, May 18th.

This celebration comes at a moment of global urgency. The 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) is preparing to vote on Resolution EB156(30): Regulating the digital marketing of breast-milk substitutes. The resolution, introduced by Brazil and Mexico and backed by 20 other countries, seeks to curb the increasingly aggressive and manipulative online marketing tactics used by manufacturers to undermine breastfeeding.

BCNF, alongside global partners including Colansa, the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), IBFAN, and the World Obesity Federation, has sent a formal appeal to the Minister of Health and Wellness, Senator Dr. The Most Honourable Jerome Walcott, calling for Barbados to support this critical resolution.

“As we mark this milestone, we must also recognize the threats to our progress,” said Dr. Alison Bernard, Executive Director of BCNF. “Digital marketing of breast-milk substitutes is invasive, persuasive, and often unscientific. It can compromise public health, disempowers parents, and directly interfere with breastfeeding, a practice that saves lives. We urge the Government of Barbados to stand with us and support this global effort to protect our children’s future.”

The resolution [EB156(30)] responds to growing concerns that digital platforms, including influencer endorsements and targeted advertising, are being used to promote formula products in ways that evade traditional regulation. If left unchecked, these practices risk reversing decades of gains in infant and young child nutrition.

“This anniversary is not just a celebration of achievements—it is a call to action. BCNF invites all Barbadians, policymakers, health professionals, and civil society actors to join in the effort to ensure that our national health agenda puts children first,” Dr Bernard said.

She added that the BCNF was founded on the official observation of International Day of Families for a reason, and that together, the Foundation and all of Barbados can secure a future where every child in the country gets the healthiest possible start in life.”