Marketing of breast-milk substitutes: national implementation of the International Code, status report 2026

Summary

Inappropriate marketing of breast-milk substitutes remains a significant public health concern, with implications for breastfeeding practices and maternal and child health outcomes. This status report presents a global assessment of the extent to which countries have implemented the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and subsequent World Health Assembly resolutions through national legal measures. It examines legislative progress, scope and content of existing laws, and the degree of alignment with Code provisions across WHO Member States . Drawing on standardized analysis of legal frameworks from 194 countries, the report describes patterns in adoption, identifies persistent regulatory gaps, and reviews provisions related to promotion, labelling, health system safeguards, and monitoring and enforcement. It also outlines global and regional efforts to support implementation, including technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives. The analysis explores the relationship between legislative strength and breastfeeding practices, highlighting associations between stronger legal alignment and improved rates of exclusive and continued breastfeeding. The findings are intended to inform policy-makers and stakeholders involved in nutrition, maternal and child health, and regulatory governance.