79th WHA Individual Statements
Provisional agenda item 15.4. Maternal, infant, and young child nutrition
FDI and IADR welcome the focus on accelerating progress, strengthening primary health care integration, and reducing inequalities in maternal, infant, and young child nutrition.
Oral health is closely linked to early-life nutrition and remains underrepresented in current frameworks. Early feeding practices are key determinants of early childhood caries risk, including protective practices such as breastfeeding and limiting exposure to free sugars.
Aligned with the Global Oral Health Action Plan, we emphasize prevention, life-course approaches, and integration within primary health care. We encourage Member States to shape healthy early-life environments by protecting breastfeeding and restricting the digital marketing of breast-milk substitutes and unhealthy foods with high levels of free sugars.
We also underscore the importance of implementation research and improved data systems to track nutrition and oral health outcomes, particularly in underserved populations.
FDI and IADR stand ready to support integrated, equity-focused action.
Thank you.