Table 2.

Actors engaged in translating the Code into national measures

Groups of actors	A domestic group was composed primarily of local actors who represented different government entities and who were often directly involved with the law‐making process. It played a crucial role in the legal processes. A group of development partners was present in the country. A strategic group of actors was created as the convergence of these two previous groups. Its main function was to create and carry out strategies to advance the Code. It acted as a resource for the government: to connect with international experts, to have good relations with international organizations, to engage the right people at the right time.
	Existing technical groups such as the ones related to the Scaling‐Up Nutrition movement sometimes provided a platform for work around the Code, but this was not always the case.
	The collection of actors united their efforts throughout the processes to act together and counter various aggressive techniques by the industry.
Individual actors	Champions were instrumental in building consensus with other actors and carrying out certain activities. For example, strong advocates for the Code within the government were not afraid to stand up and defend the Code from tactics used by industry.
	Dedicated persons specifically in charge of follow‐up on actions to advance the Code in a country made it possible to remain alert and act quickly.
	Internal high‐level allies informed members of the strategic group on the internal processes of Code approval and alerted them when there was interference by the industry.
	Domestic legal experts who were well versed in the legal system facilitated the advancement of various stages, especially early on. They helped the various actors navigate through legal processes to work on the Code effectively or defend it whenever necessary. When legal actors did not have a background in health and/or on the Code, sharing evidence on the importance of breastfeeding and supporting them on problems related to the Code and its application appeared key.
	International Code experts (from UNICEF and International Code Documentation Center) frequently acted as external resources to support local actors. They were regularly mentioned as having played an important role in the development of Code drafts. In several countries, a consensus building or policy dialogue was organized and such experts were invited to: guide the staff of certain ministries on legal aspects related to the Code, share experiences from other countries, review the regulations related to a draft Code, and guide the local actors in finalizing the Code. The use of international legal experts has often proved decisive during the approval stage to present the facts and respond to criticisms from the industry.
	Actors from diverse sectors, for example, the Ministry of Culture or Ministry of Information were involved in work with the media, which proved to be effective.
	Researchers played a key role in generating evidence, providing supportive arguments and sometimes became champions.
	Civil society organizations helped raising awareness and monitoring violations; they also undertook advocacy activities.
	The population of some countries was engaged to encourage involvement with monitoring violations; however, such an activity was at an early state.