Sponsorship of health professional associations by manufacturers and distributors of commercial milk formula: model policy

Overview

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that, in order to promote, protect and support breastfeeding, prevent obesity and noncommunicable diseases, promote healthy diets, and ensure that caregivers receive clear and accurate information on feeding, companies that market foods for infants and young children should not “sponsor meetings of health professionals and scientific meetings.” Likewise, health workers, health systems, health professional associations and nongovernmental organizations should not “allow such companies to sponsor meetings of health professionals and scientific meetings”.  The model policy presented in this document provides draft text that healthcare professional associations may use to support implementation of the WHO guidance. The wording includes reference to the key elements that such a policy should contain, including rationale, overall commitment, types of sponsorship, and review plan.