[Protection of mother's milk and ethics].

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Medical Ethics
• Health Policy

Context:

• The International Code for the Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes, adopted by the World Health Assembly in 1981 and effective in Brazil since 1988, aims to regulate the promotion of breast milk substitutes.
• Despite established WHO standards, concerns persist regarding industry compliance and its impact on healthcare professionals' practices.

Purpose:

• To investigate the extent of compliance by infant formula companies with the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes in Brazil.
• To specifically examine the relationship between infant formula companies and healthcare professionals, particularly pediatricians, concerning potential conflicts of interest.

Summary:

• An exploratory study conducted in 32 Brazilian cities involved interviews with 95 healthcare professionals.
• Results indicate that the promotion of infant formula through pediatricians is prevalent, often involving financial support from companies that can create conflicts of interest.
• This financial support may compromise professional objectivity, potentially influencing practice and research in favor of commercial interests over scientific integrity.

Impact:

• The findings suggest that existing regulations, including the International Code and related resolutions, are inadequate for assessing and limiting conflicts of interest between pediatricians and infant formula companies.
• There is a critical need to review and strengthen policies designed to protect breastfeeding practices from undue commercial influence, emphasizing ethical considerations.