Hi everyone, We've learned there is a Mead-Johnson education event here in Edmonton, AB Canada on Saturday. This event features three University of Alberta medical faculty, two of which are speaking on infant feeding. We could really use your support to stop this. 

Here is the Breastfeeding Action Committee of Edmonton's public call for letters, addresses as the bottom.

Many thanks for your help. We've had so many opportunities for action lately here in Edmonton. It's been a perfect storm. 
Many thanks!
Kirsten

The Breastfeeding Action Committee of Edmonton (BACE) has learned that a Mead-Johnson education program featuring three University of Alberta faculty members is scheduled for Edmonton, at the Westin hotel this Saturday March 10th.   
This education event contravenes the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (Resolution 34.22) and subsequent relevant WHA Resolutions. http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/wha_nutrition_iycn/en/  This ‘Code’ protects breastfeeding and ALL babies. Many resolutions in the Code and WHA Resolutions advise against health professionals having any relationship with manufacturers of infant foods marketed for under 2 years of age, bottles, nipples, teats, etc. as this creates a conflict of interest.   
Free education and meals induce reciprocal action and indebtedness.  These sessions are framed as educational but the reality is that they are highly effective marketing to health professionals. There is no free lunch.
On the heels of giving Nestle an honorary degree, the relationship between the University of Alberta and International Code violators continues. The University of Alberta has a long history of cooption by artificial baby milk companies.  It is time for this questionable relationship to end.  For too long it has undermined the health and well-being of our most vulnerable citizens.
All three doctors presenting at this event are in contravention of the WHO Code, as is Mead-Johnson, Johnson & Johnson and any health professional who attends the event.  Since the College of Family Physicians of Canada is currently offering continuing education credits for attending this event, they are not only in contravention of the Code but also their own Infant Feeding Policy Statement that was adopted in 2004.
To express your concern please write to Ms. Toms and Ms. Stiksma as well as the College of Family Physicians, the doctors presenting at this event and the University of Alberta where these doctors have professorships, to let them know that this type of “educational” event is unethical and request that this event be cancelled.  Please also request that the College of Family Physicians of Canada not issue Main Pro C credits for this program as it contravenes their own policy.  Separate letters to the Edmonton Journal are also encouraged.

Contacts:
Mead Johnson:  [log in to unmask]
Johnson & Johnson: [log in to unmask]
Dr. J. Patidar: [log in to unmask]
Dr. Tim Vanderleek: [log in to unmask]
Dr. Brad Stewart: [log in to unmask]
College of Family Physcians Canada: [log in to unmask]
University of Alberta President: [log in to unmask]
University of Alberta Senate: [log in to unmask]
University of Alberta Health Ethics Center [log in to unmask]
Dr. Barbara Ballerman, Chair of the Faculty of Medicine [log in to unmask]
 
Edmonton Journal letters:  [log in to unmask]
 

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