Government Launches QR Code to Report Breach in Breastfeeding Regulations

Medical Medicine


ACCRA: Dr Bernard Okoe-Boye, the Minister of Health, introduced a new QR Code aimed at enhancing public awareness and enforcement of Legislative Instrument (LI) 1667, which governs breastfeeding practices and the marketing of breast milk substitutes in Ghana. The QR Code will provide information on the regulations and offer a direct way to report violations.

According to Ghana News Agency, the LI prohibits the advertising of designated products that can substitute breast milk, including infant formula, pacifiers, and certain types of baby foods, across various media platforms such as television, radio, and social media. The law also mandates exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life, continuing with complementary feeding for up to two years or more. Additionally, it restricts healthcare facilities and personnel from promoting or receiving benefits from manufacturers of the designated substitute products.

During the “2024 Breastfeeding Awareness Month” event organized by the Food and
Drugs Authority (FDA), Dr Okoe-Boye emphasized the public health importance of breastfeeding. He highlighted its role in reducing the risk of infectious diseases and strengthening the bond between mother and child. The theme for this year’s event in Accra was “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.” The Minister urged workplaces to support nursing mothers by providing appropriate spaces for breastfeeding and flexible working hours to enhance their productivity and reduce stress.

Furthermore, Dr Okoe-Boye called on husbands to actively support their wives in breastfeeding, offering guidance and postpartum support. He referenced data from a recent Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, which showed that only 53% of new mothers practiced exclusive breastfeeding, indicating a significant gap that requires collective effort to bridge.

Dr Delese Mimi Darko, CEO of the FDA, also addressed the gathering, citing a survey conducted by UNICEF which showed that immediate breastfeeding initiation and exclusive br
eastfeeding rates were below the targets set for 2030. She pointed out the challenges many mothers face, such as balancing career responsibilities with breastfeeding, especially with limited maternity leave and lack of supportive environments at work.

The FDA, recognizing the need to intensify awareness and enforcement of LI 1667, has adopted a sub-theme for the commemoration: “Intensify Awareness, Monitoring, and Sanction Regimes of Legislative Instrument (LI) 1667.” This initiative aims to control the food environment for infants and address the widespread non-compliance with marketing and labeling regulations that undermine breastfeeding practices.