In the UK, a sub-group of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition was 
asked to consider whether we should adopt the WHO growth charts for use in 
the UK instead of the 1990 UK specific growth chart. 

They have been deliberating for a few months and have now put out their 
thoughts for public consultation.  If you are interested in this, you can 
read the papers at:  http://www.sacn.gov.uk/index.html 

"Consultation on the Application of World Health Organisation (WHO) Growth 
Standards in the UK 

The SACN and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child health (RCPCH) 
subgroup's draft report on the application of WHO Growth Standards in the UK 
has now been published for a short public consultation period. 

The closing date for comments is 20th April 2007 and all comments should be 
sent to [log in to unmask] 

Cover Letter for WHO Growth Standards Consultation
Draft Report WHO Growth standards for CONSULTATION
WHO Appendices for consultation
Template for Response" 

I find it really interesting that they have taken this approach -- does 
anyone from other countries have any information on how their government (or 
whoever makes the decision) is approaching the issue of the WHO chart? 

I should say, I was particularly delighted to see the following two points 
included in the conclusions of the expert group: 

"58. The feasibility of using WHO Standards from 2-weeks of postnatal age to
24 months and UK1990 from 24 months onwards requires field testing in order
to confirm the perceived merit before being formally adopted.
59. Health professionals involved in child health are likely to require
additional training and guidance on the use and interpretation of WHO Growth
standards and UK1990 references for monitoring growth in clinical practice." 

I cannot remember how many times I have said we cannot change the chart 
without substantive training and also that we need to trial the whole thing. 
If they would include qualitative assessment in the trial, I would just be 
so pleased. 

Magda Sachs, PhD
Breastfeeding Supporter, The Breastfeeding Network, UK 

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