ILCA is at the table to ensure the voices of our members are heard in global health policy and international decision-making.
ILCA was proud to have Lisa Mandell, Zoe Faulkner, Maxine Scringer-Wilkes and Maryse Arendt representing our membership at the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) in Geneva, Switzerland, on 18–23 May 2026.
On 22 May 2026 at the World Health Assembly, ILCA co-hosted a side event with the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), along with the countries of Burundi, Panama, and Ecuador, and with support from Colansa and the van Tulleken Foundation, on “Contaminated Commercial Formula – the need for a global response.” ILCA’s board member Zoe Faulkner moderated the event, and ILCA created a moving video highlighting families’ voices, sharing their experiences with this contamination crisis.
Since late 2025, contamination of commercial milk formula has led to significant trauma among families and resulted in recalls from major global brands. In the United States a recall of ByHeart infant formula was linked to 51 infants hospitalized with botulism. In Europe and around the world, formula was contaminated by the heat-resistant toxin cereulide, traced to a single optional ingredient, arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, supplied by a producer in China. This resulted in recalls from Nestle, Danone and Lactalis, with the products distributed to more than 130 countries.
The goal for the side event was to establish a forum for strengthening collaboration between Member States and civil society, with the objective of improving infant and child health protection, sharing best practices, and leveraging the experience of member states
The event included presentations from WHO, UNICEF, a former WHO employee and Nestlé whisteblower, parliamentarians, Member States, and a youth spokesperson, and the video of the voices of families. It concluded with a call to action for member states to commit to:
You can find the recording of this important event here:
Agenda item 12.5: Primary healthcare
Amid the unprecedented strain on the global health workforce, ILCA President Maxine Scringer-Wilkes called for the World Health Assembly to integrate lactation consultants into primary health care systems, as it “strengthens support for families and helps protect and sustain breastfeeding across hospital and community settings.”
Agenda item 12.10: Harmonization of regulatory approaches, governance and standards for data, digital health and artificial intelligence in the health sector
At the World Health Assembly, Advocacy Adviser Lisa Mandell delivered ILCA’s statement on Agenda item 12.10: Harmonization of regulatory approaches, governance and standards for data, digital health and artificial intelligence in the health sector.
Building on the resolution on regulating the digital marketing of breastmilk substitutes that the Assembly adopted last year, ILCA urges that the continued monitoring and regulation of digital marketing of BMS and other health products be integrated within the implementation of the global strategy.
Agenda item 14.1: WHO’s work in health emergencies
At the 79th World Health Assembly, ILCA Board Member Zoe Faulkner delivered ILCA’s statement on Agenda Item 14.1: WHO’s work in health emergencies. Faulkner emphasized that “breastfeeding is a survival system… and plans must be in place to protect it in emergency situations.”
She highlighted the urgent need for member states to incorporate the Operational Guidance on Infant Feeding in Emergencies into national disaster plans.
Agenda item 15.4: Maternal, infant and young child nutrition
At the 79th World Health Assembly, Advocacy Adviser Lisa Mandell delivered ILCA’s statement on Agenda item 15.4: Maternal, infant and young child nutrition, emphasizing that breastfeeding is “a human right and a powerful driver of health equity.”
Mandell emphasized breastfeeding as a life- and cost-saving intervention, having the largest impact on child mortality of any preventive intervention.
She noted that while the Director General’s report shows improvements in breastfeeding rates, they are still below targets, highlighting the critical need to increase investment in breastfeeding, including training the workforce and ensuring the minimum recommended six counseling contacts.
International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® and IBLCE® are registered Service Marks, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® and IBCLC® are registered Certification Marks, of the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners and are used with permission herein.
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