Sponsorship of health professional associations by manufacturers and distributors of commercial milk formula: model policy.

Sponsorship is a commercial transaction in which financial or in-kind contributions made to a person, event, project, or activity aim to generate goodwill for a brand among a group of people who can influence purchasing behaviour in others and promote sales even in the absence of recognisable advertising and marketing. In this way, sponsorship establishes a visible, reciprocal relationship between the company and the HCPA. This may be perceived as implying that the company, or its product, has earned some endorsement or approval from the association it sponsors.

As HCP we are in a unique and powerful position to influence the infant feeding behaviours of caregivers and families responsible for young children because we are trusted to use our knowledge of medical and scientific evidence to recommend safe and effective infant feeding and care practices.

World Health Organization. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/378985 (4 pages)