Relationships
with Commercial Enterprises
in the
Fostering/Furthering of the Health
of Women and
their Infants
Increased financial support
would enable the Confederation to more actively pursue its aims and goals as
described in the global strategy statement and to strengthen its activities as
the unrecognised non-governmental international organisation which represents
the interests of midwives and their profession.
The International
Confederation of Midwives accepts sponsorship and donations from commercial
organisations provided that such funding falls within the amount of the policy.
Funding may be accepted for specific or general purposes. Both the donor and ICM should establish a
clear written understanding that the funds will be used appropriately and
ethically.
Donations granted to support ethical research will be subject to ICM
reserving the right to publish the results, whatever the conclusion, in a
refereed journal of a Member Association.
All sponsorship received will be acknowledged in the Confederation’s
Annual Report and, when appropriate, in programs and other publications of
meetings to which the funds were assigned.
WHO and UNICEF will be assigned space at ICM International Congresses
to promote breastfeeding.
As midwives practise in many diverse settings that require them to be
informed on all aspects of infant nutrition so as to be competent to provide
information to women whose clinical status or personal decision leads them to
not breastfeed, it is important that midwives receive up to date information
about the infant foods and formulae on the market.
There is a need to provide venues where this information can be
obtained and comparisons be made about the products on offer. Trade displays at Congresses and Regional
Meetings are possible venues, provided:
·
no samples are distributed
· the manufacturer is a member of the Infant
Food Manufacturer’s Association
(IFM)
· each is made aware of the Confederation’s
longstanding support of
breastfeeding
· it is not in
contravention of any code in place in that nation.
The International
Confederation of Midwives encourages all Member Associations to review any
policies they may have in place and where applicable bring them into harmony
with that of the Confederation.
References
- WHO/UNICEF code on marketing of breast milk substitutes,
1981
- ICM policy on breast feeding, 1993
- ICM Code of Ethics, 1993
-
WHO/UNICEF joint statement on HIV/AIDS and breast
feeding
Adopted by the International
Confederation of Midwives Council,