This webinar focused on the role of health professional associations in taking a stand against formula milk marketing to protect the integrity of their professions, and to improve health outcomes for children and women. For decades, the formula milk industry has aggressively marketed their products – despite the negative impact on child and maternal health and human rights, and despite an International Code agreed by all countries to restrict this marketing.
Formula milk companies don’t just target parents in their marketing. They also systematically target the people parents often trust the most – their health professionals – to influence their beliefs, training and advice. Participants joined the World Health Organization (WHO), The BMJ, the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH) and Children in All Policies 2030 (CAP2030) in an examination of the industry tactics that seek to influence health professionals.
Welcome & introduction
Dr Chris Van Tulleken (Infectious Disease Doctor, University College London, Hospital and Broadcaster).
Summarizing the issue: what constitutes ‘sponsorship’ – introduction to WHO/UNICEF guidance note
WHO/UNICEF speaker
Reflections from health professional associations
1) Franka Cadée (President, International Confederation of Midwives)
2) Dr Naveen Thacker (President-Elect, International Pediatric Association)
3) Dr Anne-Beatrice Kihara (President-Elect, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics
4) Karen Walker (President, Council of International Neonatal Nurses)
5) Youth speaker
What can be done? An agenda for action
Interactive discussion between moderator and panelists on what can be done and the role of health professional associations. This section included a few survey questions and responses to live questions from participants.
Thanks and close
Dr Chris Van Tulleken (moderator)
