The situation with medical facilities is similar, except for acute social welfare cases. A 1994 WHA Resolution recommended to governments a total ban on free supplies to hospitals. Nestlé agrees with this recommendation in principle as it aims to reinforce the primacy of breastfeeding.

However, Nestlé also agrees with the way many governments have implemented this Resolution, allowing donations for orphans, multiple births and disaster relief. Even in these exceptional circumstances, the validity of each request is thoroughly checked to ensure that free supplies are provided only in very exceptional circumstances. Request forms have to be completed, detailing exactly why the formula is required in each case, and we do not agree to every such request.

Free supplies and samples of infant formula by Beverley Mirando

The Baby Friendly Initiative with the Government of Sri Lanka was signed on 27th January 1993. The agreement was between the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Policy Planning and Implementation, manufacturers and distributors of infant formulae, as well as medical and nutritional experts and representatives from NGOs.

The Baby Friendly Initiative is working well with over 80% of the Health Facilities now following the guidelines strictly as compared to 65% in 1997. It is expected that the rest will adopt the system in the near future. Nestlé Lanka does not issue free supplies to health facilities or for professional evaluation. However, if a request is made on the birth of triplets, along with a letter of recommendation from a paediatrician, such a request would be considered, but only if it is channelled through the office of the doctor.

The Baby Friendly Initiative, together with the excellent breastfeeding campaign carried out by the Government, has resulted in the current exclusive breastfeeding rates being over 92% for the first four months.