International Pediatric Association policy statement sucks!

The following policy was adopted by the Standing Committee of the International Pediatric Association (IPA) at its meeting in Hong Kong March 22, 1997:

• PA accepts donations from industry, provided that such donations fall within the terms of this policy.
• Donations may be accepted for general or specific purposes. In either case, discussion and cooperation with the donor are essential to ensure that the donations will be used appropriately and ethically for the purposes for which they are given.
• In accordance with this policy, IPA provides space at international congresses for UNICEF and WHO to promote breast-feeding.
• Since infant foods and formula are rapidly changing in complexity, sophistication and composition (Editor -- who are they kidding?) there is a continued need for pediatricians to receive up-to-date information relating to these matters at such congresses in accordance with the WHO/UNICEF Code and for the benefit of babies. Donations for general and specific purposes from responsible (Editor -- oxymoron surely!) manufacturers (e.g. members of the Infant Food Manufacturers’ Association, IFM), are acceptable, provided that the donors are aware of IPA’s long-established policy of support for breast feeding, conform to the WHO/UNICEF Code (Editor -- Yikes another contradiction!), accept IPA’s Policy on Donations, and adhere to national codes where applicable.