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Subject:
From:
Nina Berry <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:29 +1100
Content-Type:
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text/plain (38 lines)
Hi Wendy
There is nothing extreme about the message that infant formula should not be
sent to emergencies. Donations of infant formula usually exceed need by a
factor of at least 10.  Once it is there, people want to distribute.  The
distribution of infant formula into the community CAUSES illness and death
FOR DECADES after the emergency is over.
Nutrition programme managers have good procurement procedures (if an
organisation is saying that it can't get milk for babies through its
procurement channels then it is not a professional agency and you should not
give your money to them).  In Burma we budgeted USD16 000 for formula.  We
procured it easily through normal channels.  We spent less than USD5000.
The amount of formula required is very very small compared with the giant
palate-loads arriving.  Much of it is close to date or out of date, or
worse, it is specialty formula not appropriate for general distribution.
The cost and political fallout of redeploying these donations (mixing with
cereal or repackaging as stock feed) is immense.  It takes the attention of
skilled people away from activities that can actually prevent unnecessary
death.
Don't send formula.  Don't support anyone who does.  Aid agencies don't need
it.  It will cause illness and death.  Send money so that the staff on the
ground, who have done comprehensive assessments, can procure what they need
and divert excess funds to things like ensuring that nutritionally adequate
complementary foods are available for kids 6-24 months and that mothers have
access to fruit, veg, fish and meat.
Nina Berry
Australia  

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