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The World Health Organization Code

Principles, guidance, implementation and monitoring of the WHO Code in Canada

Code Compliance Resources

Implementing the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and subsequent relevant World Health Assembly (WHA) resolutions (the WHO Code) is often one of the most complex aspects of Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) implementation. 

In Canada, the WHO Code is not legislated; however, several Canadian regulations and policies support elements of the Code, including aspects of the Food and Drugs Act and related federal guidance. At the same time, the longstanding presence of multinational infant feeding companies within healthcare systems — combined with the complexity and limitations of the WHO Code itself — can create uncertainty and operational challenges for organizations working toward Baby-Friendly designation. 

Healthcare facilities are often required to navigate complex issues related to sponsorship, procurement, educational materials, industry relationships, and marketing practices while interpreting BFI requirements within their own organizational context. This frequently requires significant institutional change, policy development, and staff education. 

Since the launch of the Baby-Friendly Initiative in Canada in 1998, substantial progress has been made in strengthening infant feeding practices and reducing commercial influence within maternal-newborn care environments. Through education, quality improvement, and systems-level change, healthcare organizations have increasingly adopted practices that prioritize evidence-based infant feeding support and protect families from inappropriate marketing influences. 

Implementing the WHO Code within the context of BFI requires a practical understanding of the requirements outlined in the BFI Implementation Guideline and BFI Guideline Checklist, recognizing that these represent minimum standards for designation. Organizations may still encounter grey areas or situations where practices technically meet BFI criteria, yet additional recommendations may be needed to better align with the intent and principles of the WHO Code. 

The resources below are intended to support healthcare organizations, educators, and healthcare providers in understanding, interpreting, and applying the WHO Code within clinical, educational, and organizational settings. 

1. Start Here (Core Code Resources)

These foundational resources provide essential background knowledge and interpretation of the WHO Code and related WHA resolutions. 

Foundational Documents

Key Guidance & Toolkits

Quick Learning & Interpretation

2. Implementing the Code

These resources support healthcare organizations in integrating Code compliance into policies, quality improvement processes, and organizational practices. 

3. Applying the Code in Practice

These resources support healthcare providers in interpreting and applying the WHO Code in clinical practice and events encountered in day-to-day practice.  

4. Teaching & Learning

Designed for educators, leaders, and organizations delivering staff education and professional development related to the WHO Code and BFI implementation. 

5. Multimedia, Awareness & Advocacy

A curated collection of videos and resources to support awareness, engagement, and knowledge translation.