As a director of the National Alliance for Breastfeeding Advocacy (NABA), I have been asked by Elisabeth Sterken of INFACT Canada to post the following announcement: Date: Friday, May 10, 1996 Subject: IBFAN has no ties with ACTION The International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) has no association with ACTION for Corporate Accountability which is based in Washington, DC. Recently, ACTION circulated a proposal for a project which in part involves monitoring baby food industry marketing practices and which seeks the participation of and funding by the very same industry. This relationship is unacceptable to IBFAN as it violates IBFAN's long standing principle of not accepting funds or sponsorships from the baby food industry. IBFAN values its ability to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding uncompromised by conflicting interests. ACTION New Haven and its predecessor ACTION Minneapolis and INFACT Minneapolis were IBFAN affiliates. ACTION's abrupt closure and dismissal of staff in October 1995 was unexpected, unexplained and unnecessary. IBFAN therefore distanced itself from ACTION as it resurfaced in Washington, DC. With ACTION's present funding proposal and statements displaying a total disregard for basic IBFAN principles, IBFAN has no choice but to dissociate itself completely from ACTION Washington, DC. ACTION's proposal also questions the current relevancy and success of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes. Since the adoption of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes at the World Health Assembly of 1981, IBFAN has taken a leadership role in working with governments, breastfeeding groups, and professional associations around the world to implement and monitor the Code. In addition, some provisions of the Code have become law in 29 countries and voluntary measures adopted in 33 countries. Another 29 countries have draft regulations or recommendations for legislation. IBFAN's global network with which ACTION is now no longer affiliated, is committed to full implementation of the Code in all countries, as it works through training, monitoring, lobbying, advocacy, and education to fulfill its mandate to protect the health of mothers and children. Please contact INFACT Canada, the IBFAN North America Regional Co-ordinating Office for questions or comments. 416 595-9819 Fax 416 591-9355 e-mail: [log in to unmask]