http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/EVOD-76HFVN?OpenDocument&rc=3&emid=ACOS-635PFR
This press release describes how World Vision has distributed 13 000 baby kits containing baby bottles in refugee camps in Lebanon (while also noting thet hygiene conditions are poor). 

A number of people have written to this aid agency. Their response has been that they are distributing these bottles because they are concerned about babies becoming dehydrated (ie the bottles are for giving water). They also said that they would be more careful in what they put in press releases in the future (hmmm, how would you interpret that?). They have not said that they would discontinue distributing baby bottles. It appear that they are standing by their actions.

The actions of World Vision, while well intended, are harmful. Recommendations (from everyone who knows about this stuff including WHO, UNICEF, Sphere, Infant feeding in emergencies core group etc) are that baby bottles should not be used in emergency situations if babies need to be artificially fed because they are too difficult to clean. Nothing that encourages the termination of exclusive breastfeeding should happen (research in hot climates has found that when exclusively breastfed babies are given additional water that the amount of breastmilk consumed decreases AS WELL AS the total amount of fluid). In giving bottles to mothers of young babies for the purpose of providing water World Vision is encouraging women, who may be exclusively breastfeeding, to cease doing so. Such distribution can only add to increased morbidity and mortality in babies in these camps. The fact that breastfeeding rates are low in these camps just makes it more important that aid agencies do the right thing!

I imagine that there are a number of Lactnet members who are donors to World Vision. Donors are responsible for ensuring that agencies to whom they donate act appropriately (ie that their donations are not resulting in harming babies). More information on protecting babies in emergencies can be found at http://www.ennonline.net/ife/generalpublic/default.aspx
Perhaps World Vision can be persuaded to change?? I've got to say that from what I have heard in the past World Vision usually does pretty well when it comes to infant feeding in emergencies but I've been really disappointed by their response this time.

Karleen Gribble
Australia





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