Dear Jack and All,

Interesting to hear about UNICEF and free/provided formula.

I have just talked to Virginia Thorley, who has recently returned from
speaking in South Africa.  She discussed this very issue with health workers
and mothers and they said it won't work because if they pasteurise their
breast milk or give their babies formula, family and friends would ask why
or assume they are dirty/diseased because they are not breastfeeding their
baby.

It seems that UNICEF has done little or no needs assessment in Africa and
what local traditions call for, WHO also boo booed with condoms and local
traditions (but that's another story). UNICEF is possibly under pressure
from many 'sources'.

You're a right Jack, these babies are at great risk of other diseases due to
unsafe water supplies, the cost of formula etc.  Apparently the formula
that will be provided free by the companies for only 3-6 months.  Then who
is going to foot the bill? UNICEF or the governments of each country.

The cost of the health and formula bill will only add to the woes of these
countries, not relieve them.

It's so hard to believe that UNICEF is so naive to think that this will
solve the problem.

Virginia did quote some research on the risk of transferring HIV via
breastmilk.  Unfortunately, I cannot give exact figures at this time but it
was significantly lower than the risk of contracting diarrhoea etc. with the
use of formula in these countries.

Very worried about this one,

Anne Clarke LC
Brisbane, Australia