IBFAN Global Origin and Aims
The International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) was founded in 1979.
It is a network of 314 groups in 106 countries. IBFAN is a worldwide network that works on Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), maternal health, nutrition and food security. The network strongly supports improved health, optimum nutrition of infants, young children and their families by protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding, and introduction of appropriate, safe and adequate complementary feeding practices using local foods. IBFAN provides technical assistance at different levels of care for various countries.
One of IBFAN’s key roles is assisting countries to implement and monitor the International Code of Marketing Breastmilk Substitutes (BMS) and its subsequent World Health Assembly Resolutions. IBFAN also assists governments to both develop national legislations and to hold companies accountable for irresponsible advertising and marketing of BMS. The IBFAN Africa Regional Office is referred to as IBFANA since its registered in South Africa.