16/02/2024
GIFA (Geneva Infant Feeding Association) – committed to the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding since 1979.
Who we are
GIFA is a non profit organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland. GIFA is also member of IBFAN (International Baby Food Action Network) which counts 270 groupes and is present in 168 countries worldwide. This video of 7 minutes introduces you to IBFAN’s history and current activities. It was realized on the occasion oft the the celebration for the 40 years of the International Code international en 2021.
Our commitment
Breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed babies and young children. It helps prevent infectious diseases and contributes to the reduction of non-communicable diseases in both the child and the mother (cardiovascular diseases, overweight and obesity, diabetes, some cancers and some allergies).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “breastfeeding is now the most effective preventive action to improve child survival and health… More than one million deaths of children under five years of age could be prevented each year if breastfeeding practices were improved …. “
As a public health measure, WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding for up to 2 years or more, with the introduction of safe and appropriate complementary foods from 6 months of age (World Health Assembly Resolution 54.2, 2001). The Lancet Breastfeeding Series 2023 reaffirms the importance of these recommendations.
Our principles and values
GIFA, as well as all groups of the IBFAN network, adopts the 7 guiding principles of IBFAN and does not receive finances, donations or presents in any form from the baby food industry or any other company not conform with the International Code of marketing of breastmilk substitutes.
- IBFAN 7 Principles
- IBFAN Funding Policy
- IBFAN Mission and Vision
- IBFAN position sur les Parrainages et les conflits d’intérêt (in french)
Our mission and vision
Our mission is to protect, promote and support optimal infant and young child feeding practices at the global scale within the framework of the Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding and the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, through networking, policy advocacy at all levels, capacity building and information sharing.
Our vision is a fair and healthy society, free from commercial pressures, where every child enjoys the highest attainable standard of health, where breastfeeding is the norm in infant and young child feeding, and where women and families have the opportunity to provide optimal care for their children.
History – more than 40 years of commitment
GIFA was established in 1979 as the first office of the IBFAN network. Since its creation, GIFA has been committed to defending a policy in favor of breastfeeding and to fighting, in Switzerland and in other parts of the world, against commercial practices that could be detrimental to it.
Founded in 1979, IBFAN consists of more than 270 institutional members from some 168 countries around the world in 8 regions. These groups are independent and work in accordance with national needs. All IBFAN member groups strive to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain their independence. For this reason, they are committed to not receiving any funding, donations or gifts from the infant food industry, in any form whatsoever.
This film of 7 minutes was shown at the Commemoration Ceremony for the 40 years of the International Code in 2021 sums up IBFAN’s activity and advocacy.
Useful links
Latest News
- Summary Report of the Global Congress on Implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes
- Status report on the International Code 2020
- GIFA – Breastfeeding afternoon – 12 March 2024 – online
- COP28 – Statement by GIFA-IBFAN
- Come to the table
- WBW in Geneva
Funding
GIFA’s activities and functioning are mainly financed by government and non-governmental development grants for the entire IBFAN network. Other sources of income include membership contributions, publication income, as well as short-term grants for specific activities (research, publications, conferences). Our finances are without conflict of interest (see our principles).
Your donation is be very valuable, thank you in advance!
Statutes
Executive Committee (2024)
- Robert Peck, President
- Cyril Ritchie, Vice-President,
- Bernard Nyffenegger, Treasurer
Become a member
- By becoming an individual or institutional member of our GIFA association, you receive our publications regularly and free of charge, and you can participate in our annual General Assembly.
- IBFAN and GIFA members are committed to not receiving any form of funding, donations or gifts from the baby and infant food industry.
- To become a member, fill out the form at the bottom of our website or contact us at info@gifa.org.