DOH prohibits donation of infant formula to Taal evacuees

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has issued an advisory prohibiting the donation of infant formula among evacuees of the Taal Volcano eruption.

According to the agency, donations of infant formula, feeding bottles and teats are not allowed at the evacuation centers, based on Executive Order 51 or the Philippine Milk Code of 1986.

“The DOH reminds the public that breastfeeding is even more important in times of calamities and disasters to keep the infants safe… Breastmilk is safe, nutritious and free,” the advisory stated.

The DOH said that when there is a limited supply of clean water, breastmilk becomes even more critical for the survival of babies. Breastfeeding is also a way for a mother to show her love for her infant, which is especially important when there is a crisis.

The website of the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that breastmilk provides “all the energy and nutrients that an infant needs for the first six months of life” and it should be given, along with complementary foods, for up to two years and beyond.

The WHO noted that breastmilk promotes sensory and cognitive development and protects the infant against infectious and chronic diseases. 

The agency added that “failure to fully protect breastfeeding” in times of conflict or man-made and natural disasters “dramatically worsens the situation.”

Masks

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III clarified yesterday that bras cannot be used as masks.

“You cannot use bras as masks because these are not made to prevent a person from breathing in small particles like dust. If there is no N95 in the areas with high risk for ashfall, they can use wet lampin (cloth diaper) or wet clean cloth,” he said in an interview.

Duque added that the DOH had already released some P8 billion worth of N95 masks, medicines and supplies needed by those displaced by the eruption of Taal Volcano a week ago.