Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy Implementation Plan

On 22 April 2010 the Australian Health Ministers’ Conference endorsed the 2010 Implementation Plan for the Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy 2010-2015.  A copy of the Health Ministers communiqué is available from http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr10-dept-dept220410.htm
The Implementation Plan will be used as an internal working document to guide implementation, policy development and further consultation between stakeholders, and state and territory government representatives.  The Implementation Plan identifies ten action areas to be progressed by governments both independently and nationally under the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council, with ongoing leadership from the Commonwealth.  The ten action areas were identified based on the goals and objectives set out in the Strategy and focus on:

1. monitoring and surveillance;
2. health professionals’ education and training;
3. dietary guidelines and growth charts;
4. breastfeeding friendly environments (including workplaces and child care settings);
5. support for breastfeeding in health care settings;
6. revisiting Australia’s response to the World Health Organization’s International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and related World Health Assembly resolutions;
7. exploring the evidence, quality assurance, cost-effectiveness and regulatory issues associated with the establishment and operation of milk banks;
8. breastfeeding support for priority groups;
9. continuity of care, referral pathways and support networks; and
10. education and awareness, including antenatal education.

Implementation of the Strategy will be facilitated by a Jurisdictional Senior Officials Group chaired by the Commonwealth Government Department of Health and Ageing under the strategic guidance of the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council.  This group will progress implementation of the Strategy and facilitate collaboration and sharing of information and expertise and promote national consistency across key issues.  Consultation with stakeholders on key issues will continue during implementation of the Strategy.

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