Along the lines of the discussion re. the College of Midwives
decision....

"Ja-well, no-fine!" - this is a common expression used here which I
can't really translate.  I came back last night from spending a
couple of days at the IBFAN Africa office and my mom pointed out an
article in this weekend's newspaper under "Media & Marketing".

I don't know how much I can type out for you without infringing
(should this have an "e" somewhere?) copyright.  Could someone please
give me an idea?  Basically, various companies here have got together
and formed a "freedom of commercial speech trust" to lobby for carte
blanche on advertising.  They indicate that the companies will
regulate themselves and that government decrees are not necessary.

This latest article is specifically calling for the promotion of
breastmilk substitutes so that moms can be made aware of the dangers
of breastfeeding and HIV.  They say that the moms need to have the
products advertised enabling them to make an informed choice.
(Do you recognise any of "our" jargon?)

I'm pretty low on energy right now to do anything about this.  Your
comments would be appreciated though, so that I can at least share
your thoughts/ideas with colleagues at a meeting that is coming up
soon.

Regards, Lynn.

P.S.  There is such a sense of loss, both in Swaziland and here in
S.A., re. the tragic death of the "people's princess", Diana.
Perhaps because she was in this part of the world so recently and
people feel so strongly about the landmine and AIDS issues.
--------------------------------------------------
Lynn Moony
Johannesburg, South Africa
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