Infant and young child feeding is often framed in terms of parental knowledge, attitudes, or professional support. Yet feeding decisions are also shaped by wider social environments, including commercial activities, in which infants and young children’s health and interests are not directly represented. This seminar examines the commercial determinants of infant and young child feeding, drawing on field-based observations from Southeast Asia and recent developments in Japan. It first considers how commercial milk formula is marketed and used in settings where access to safe water, sanitation, and health services may be constrained, and the risks this can pose for child health. It then turns to Japan, where the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes has not been enacted into national law, and considers how commercial activities, professional practices, social norms, media environments, and political interests may together shape feeding decisions and the protection of children’s health and interests. The seminar concludes by introducing ongoing research being developed during my visit to RegNet, including online experimental studies on commercial marketing, and asks what practical approaches might help place child health at the centre of infant-feeding policy and practice.

About the speaker

Keiko Nanishi is a physician, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and assistant professor at the University of Tokyo. Her research focuses on infant and young child feeding, the continuity and quality of maternal and child health care, and the commercial determinants of health. Her work uses quantitative analysis, experimental approaches, and implementation research to examine health behaviours, practice-relevant questions, and maternal and child health systems. She has also advocated for breastfeeding protection in Japan and internationally. At RegNet, she is developing experimental research to measure how commercial activities shape perceptions and decisions related to commercial milk formula and child health.

This seminar presentation is a dual-delivery event. 

Light lunch will be provided. 

If you require accessibility accommodations or a visitor Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan please email regnet.communications@anu.edu.au.

Image credit: NanoStockk in istockphoto