Hi again - someone recently posted about a formula-manufacturing company
stating that they no longer sell to third world countries, but I can't
remember which company it was.  Anyway I wondered if you would be interested
in hearing that today I experienced a "first" - a visit from a Wyeth rep to
talk about their range of immunizations - and "nutritionals" - a new name
for ABM. Five different kinds; two starter-formulas, (cow's milk based) two
follow-ons (one from 6 months, another from 12 months) and a soy-based
formula. Amazing.  It appears the head office is in Philadelphia, but the
range is imported from Ireland.  He wondered if the mothers I work with ever
use these when they can't breastfeed.  He left me with *twenty* copies of
each of two glossy little beautifully presented booklets entitled "Handbook
for Health Professionals" for the most well-known cow's milk based ABM and
for the soy (lots of tables and figures, comparisons with human milk etc.)
And ten prescription pads for one of the above that implies that the doctor
has prescribed this particular brand of ABM.  I'm intrigued to imagine what
he thinks I will do with all this promotional material.  However, things are
obviously hotting up over here.  Would anyone interested in Code-monitoring
care for copies which I will gladly mail, obviously I am not going to use
them.  I feel like screaming!

And just to cap it all he casually told me he's seen *sacks* of ABM in the
kitchens of Harare hospital, no brand name, marked "UNICEF."  Comments
anyone? We really don't need this!

Pamela, Zimbabwe