A cornerstone of UHC is the protection and support of breastfeeding, to improve public health, reduce health disparities and ensure safe feeding in emergencies.

Sick and preterm infants may need donated human milk, which is regulated as a substance of human origin under laws for donation of human cells and tissues in many countries. Human milk is not included in the proposed global strategy on donation and transplantation of human cells, tissues and organs. We recommend including it to ensure ethical practice, especially since donor human milk bank standards and implementation guidance from WHO and UNICEF are coming soon.

Without adequate regulation, the paid collection of human milk by for profit entities raises ethical concerns, including exploitation of women, and depriving infants of mother's milk.