tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3586031986567807792024-03-19T01:48:33.180-07:00Conflicts of Interest CoalitionMike Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121310163466468696noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-358603198656780779.post-64625995243738554202017-05-18T03:28:00.001-07:002017-05-22T09:16:50.314-07:00<h3 class="articleTitle">
<a data-mce-href="http://www.babymilkaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Open-letter.pdf" href="http://www.babymilkaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Open-letter.pdf">Open letter</a></h3>
<a data-mce-href="http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(17)31254-0/fulltext" href="http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(17)31254-0/fulltext">Response</a> from Dr Sania Nishtar<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.thelancet.com/pb-assets/Lancet/pdfs/S0140673617313570.pdf" href="http://www.thelancet.com/pb-assets/Lancet/pdfs/S0140673617313570.pdf">Response</a> from Dr David Nabarro<br />
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<a data-mce-href="http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(17)31146-7/fulltext" href="http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(17)31146-7/fulltext">Open letter to WHO DG candidates: keep policy and priority setting free of commercial influenc</a>e</h3>
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<a class="openAuthorLayer layerTrigger mce-item-anchor" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="openAuthor_au10" style="-webkit-user-modify: read-only; -webkit-user-select: all; background-color: #d5d5d5; background-image: url(http://www.babymilkaction.org/wordpress/wp-includes/js/tinymce/skins/lightgray/img/anchor.gif); background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 1px dotted rgb(58, 58, 58); cursor: default; display: inline-block; height: 9px !important; width: 9px !important;"></a>Katherine Brown<a class="email" data-mce-href="mailto:kbrown@ias.org.uk" href="mailto:kbrown@ias.org.uk"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://www.thelancet.com/templates/jsp/_style2/_marlin/images/icon_email.png" src="https://www.thelancet.com/templates/jsp/_style2/_marlin/images/icon_email.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /><span class="hiddenReadable" id="emailAuthor">Email the author Katherine Brown</span></a></div>
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<a class="openAuthorLayer layerTrigger mce-item-anchor" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="openAuthor_au20" style="-webkit-user-modify: read-only; -webkit-user-select: all; background-color: #d5d5d5; background-image: url(http://www.babymilkaction.org/wordpress/wp-includes/js/tinymce/skins/lightgray/img/anchor.gif); background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 1px dotted rgb(58, 58, 58); cursor: default; display: inline-block; height: 9px !important; width: 9px !important;"></a>Patti Rundall <a class="openAuthorLayer layerTrigger mce-item-anchor" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="openAuthor_au30" style="-webkit-user-modify: read-only; -webkit-user-select: all; background-color: #d5d5d5; background-image: url(http://www.babymilkaction.org/wordpress/wp-includes/js/tinymce/skins/lightgray/img/anchor.gif); background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 1px dotted rgb(58, 58, 58); cursor: default; display: inline-block; height: 9px !important; width: 9px !important;"></a>Tim Lobstein <a class="openAuthorLayer layerTrigger mce-item-anchor" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="openAuthor_au40" style="-webkit-user-modify: read-only; -webkit-user-select: all; background-color: #d5d5d5; background-image: url(http://www.babymilkaction.org/wordpress/wp-includes/js/tinymce/skins/lightgray/img/anchor.gif); background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 1px dotted rgb(58, 58, 58); cursor: default; display: inline-block; height: 9px !important; width: 9px !important;"></a>Modi Mwatsana, <a class="openAuthorLayer layerTrigger mce-item-anchor" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="openAuthor_au50" style="-webkit-user-modify: read-only; -webkit-user-select: all; background-color: #d5d5d5; background-image: url(http://www.babymilkaction.org/wordpress/wp-includes/js/tinymce/skins/lightgray/img/anchor.gif); background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 1px dotted rgb(58, 58, 58); cursor: default; display: inline-block; height: 9px !important; width: 9px !important;"></a>Bill Jeffery</div>
on behalf of <span class="ce-collab">61 signatories; a full list of signatories is available in the appendix </span><span class="pubDatesRow"><span class="pubDatesLbls">Published: </span>27 April 2017</span></div>
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In May, 2017, WHO Member States will meet in Geneva for the 70th World Health Assembly (WHA) and a new WHO Director-General (DG) will be elected. As public-interest non-government organisations (NGOs) involved in global health governance and the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, we believe that a fundamental consideration for Member States when electing the DG will be how the new leadership will ensure appropriate interactions with alcohol, food, pharmaceutical, and medical technology industries. We invite the three candidates to describe what steps they commit to take to ensure greater transparency, rigor, and public scrutiny of WHO's policy and regulatory and norm-setting activities so that they are adequately protected from undue commercial interests.</div>
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In May, 2016, WHA adopted the Framework of Engagement with Non-State Actors (FENSA), a policy due to be fully operational by May, 2018. While FENSA envisages that WHO will “exercise particular caution…when engaging with private sector entities …whose policies or activities are negatively affecting human health..”,<span class="bibRef">1</span> the rhetoric and direction of WHO's reform process as well as WHO's chronic funding challenges have left us deeply concerned rather than reassured. We fear that instead of protecting WHO's mandate, FENSA risks relegating WHO to a limited role, unable to stand up for human rights and democratic decision making.</div>
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We draw attention to the conflict of interest statement signed by more than 175 NGOs and networks representing more than 2000 groups and first launched at the UN High-Level Meeting on Non-communicable Diseases in 2011: “The policy development stage should be free from industry involvement to ensure a ‘health in all policies’ approach, which is not compromised by the obvious conflicts of interests associated with food, alcohol, beverage and other industries, that are primarily answerable to shareholders.”<span class="bibRef">2</span></div>
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Alcohol, food, pharmaceutical, and medical technology industries should comply with policies developed by WHO and its Member States. Their role is not in public health policy formulation, risk assessments, risk management, or priority setting, nor in determining normative quality standards and legally binding regulations to protect and promote public health. These processes must be undertaken in an environment free of commercial influence.</div>
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We believe that only a WHO that protects its independence and integrity of decision making will have the ability to fulfil its constitutional mandate, and look forward to your response to our request.</div>
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PR holds shares in Nestlé SA, for the purpose of attending the Annual General Meeting. All other authors declare no competing interests.</div>
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References</h2>
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<li class="" id="bib1"><span class="reference"><span class="refAuthors">Sixty-ninth World Health Assembly. </span>(<span class="refComment">Agenda item 11.3</span>) <span class="refComment">(accessed April 21, 2017)</span><span class="refIssueTitle">Framework of engagement with non-state actors</span>. ; <span class="refDate">May 28, 2016</span></span><br /><div class="citation-host">
<a data-mce-href="http://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/WHA69/A69_R10-en.pdf?ua=1" href="http://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/WHA69/A69_R10-en.pdf?ua=1">http://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/WHA69/A69_R10-en.pdf?ua=1</a></div>
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<li><a data-mce-href="http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(17)31146-7/fulltext#back-bib1" href="http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(17)31146-7/fulltext#back-bib1">View in Article</a></li>
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<li class="" id="bib2"><span class="reference"><span class="refAuthors">Conflict of Interest Coalition. </span><span class="refComment">(accessed April 21, 2017)</span><span class="refIssueTitle">Statement of concern</span>. ; <span class="refDate">2011</span></span><br /><div class="citation-host">
<a data-mce-href="http://info.babymilkaction.org/sites/info.babymilkaction.org/files/COIC150_0.pdf" href="http://info.babymilkaction.org/sites/info.babymilkaction.org/files/COIC150_0.pdf">http://info.babymilkaction.org/sites/info.babymilkaction.org/files/COIC150_0.pdf</a></div>
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Signatories to 'Ensuring integrity, independence and credibility: Open letter to the candidates for WHO DG'<br />
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NAME ORGANISATION<br />
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Institute of Alcohol Studies, BROWN, Katherine<br />
World Obesity Federation, LOBSTEIN, Tim<br />
International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), RUNDALL, Patti<br />
UK Health Forum, MWATSAMA, Modi<br />
Center for Health Science and Law, JEFFRY, Bill<br />
The Alliance for Nutritional Health (Alianza por la Salud Alimentaria) MACARI, Marisa<br />
World Cancer Research Fund International, ALLEN, Kate<br />
Global Alcohol Policy Alliance, BAKKE, Oystein<br />
International Blue Cross, BABB, Anne<br />
Alliance Against Conflict of Interest (AACI), GUPTA, Arun<br />
OXFAM, KAMAL-YANNI, Mohga<br />
International Association for Social Pediatrics and Child Health (ISSOP), SPENCER, Nick<br />
International Committee of Drug Bulletins (ISDB), BIJL, Dick<br />
International Lactation Consultant Association, PARKER, Meredith<br />
IOGT International, SPERKOVA, Kristina<br />
Medicus Mundi International. Network Health for All, SCWARTZ, Thomas<br />
Wemos, MEURS, Mariska<br />
Bread for the World – Protestant Development Service, HASSE, Mareike<br />
Public Eye (formerly known as Berne Declaration), DURISCH, Patrick<br />
El Poder del Consumidor, MACARI, Marisa<br />
Ntakuka East African Alcohol Policy Alliance, MELAU, William<br />
European Alcohol Policy Alliance (Eurocare), SKAR, Mariann<br />
European Centre for Monitoring Alcohol Marketing (EUCAM), VAN DALEN, Wim<br />
European Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Alliance, BLACK, Diane<br />
European Mutual help Network for Alcohol related problems (EMNA), PALMESINO, Ennio<br />
European Network of Teratology Information Services (ENTIS), WEBER-SCHOENDORFER, Corinna<br />
European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), RENSHAW, Nina<br />
Alcohol Policy Youth Network, GALKUS, Lukas<br />
AlcoHelp, MARTIN, Teryy<br />
Alcohol Action Ireland, COSTELLO, Suzanne<br />
Alcohol Focus Scotland, DOUGLAS, Alison<br />
Alcohol Forum Ireland, DOHERTY Kieran<br />
Alcohol Health Alliance, GILMORE, Ian<br />
Alcohol Justice, LIVINGSTON, Bruce Lee<br />
Association of Directors of Public Health, FURBER, Andrew<br />
British Association for the Study of the Liver, ALEXANDER, Graeme<br />
British Liver Trust, LANGFORD, Andrew<br />
British Society of Gastroenterology, MORIARTY, Kieran<br />
British Medical Association<br />
BUKO Pharma-Kampagne, SCHAABER, Jorg<br />
Crime and Security Research Institute, Cardiff University, SHEPARD, Jonathan<br />
Dutch Institute for Alcohol Policy STAP, VAN DALEN, Wim<br />
FASD Fachzentrum Berlin, BECKER, Gisela<br />
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Foundation of the Netherlands, BLACK, Diane<br />
Finnish Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, SOMER, Sari<br />
Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education (FARE), THORN, Michael<br />
Forum Savonese del Terzo Settore, PESCE, Davide<br />
First Steps Nutrition Trust, CRAWLEY, Helen<br />
Innovation in Practice (HIP), DENTICO, Nicoletta Health<br />
Institute for Social Marketing, University of Stirling, BAULD, Linda<br />
IOGT NTO, DRAMSTAD, Kalle<br />
Lithuanian Tobacco and Alcohol Control Coalition, MIDTTUN, Nijole<br />
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, GALLOWAY, David<br />
Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, MURRAY, Frank<br />
SAF Group, IZUEL, Itziar<br />
School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa,<br />
SCHNEIDER, Helene <br />
Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP)CARLIN, Eric,<br />
UK & European Birth Mother Network - FASD<br />
UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies (UKCTAS) BAULD, Linda<br />
UK Faculty of Public Health, CAPEWELL, Simon,<br />
Violence Prevention Group, Cardiff Partnership, SHEPARD, Jonathan<br />
Vivre avec le SAF, METELSKI, Catherine,<br />
Royal College of General Practitioners</div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://www.babymilkaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/annex.pdf" href="http://www.babymilkaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/annex.pdf">annex</a></div>
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Patti Rundallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12070085067176760358noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-358603198656780779.post-43561858933847742022015-11-12T07:42:00.003-08:002015-11-12T07:43:04.242-08:00Have you signed this? If not, act now to safeguard the UN from Conflicts of Interest: July 10-11 2014<span style="color: black; font-family: "lucida grande";"><a href="http://www.babymilkaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/COIC-COIN-Statement.pdf" rel="http://www.babymilkaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/COIC-COIN-Statement.pdf"><img alt="COIC July 14" class="alignleft wp-image-1124 size-medium" src="http://www.babymilkaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/COIC-July-14-213x300.png" height="300" style="margin: 10px;" width="213" /></a></span><br />
Please ask health, human rights or development organisations to endorse <a href="http://cspinet.org/canada/pdf/conflict-of-interest-safeguards_health-trump-trade.july2014.pdf" target="_blank" title="COIC">the statement</a> calling for <b>effective safeguards against conflicts of interest.</b>
<strong>Large for-profit corporations and their front groups will be attending the Comprehensive Review and Assessment of the Progress achieved in the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases. General Assembly, New York City, 10-11 July 2014</strong>
We are calling for clarity and for effective safeguards that will ensure that they are not allowed to influence the policies of the United Nations.
<strong>If your organisation can endorse this <a href="http://cspinet.org/canada/pdf/conflict-of-interest-safeguards_health-trump-trade.july2014.pdf" title="New Statement">statement</a> send an email with your NAME, TITLE and SCANNED SIGNATURE to:</strong>
<strong>Bill Jeffery, Centre for Science in the Public Interest:</strong> <strong>bjeffery@cspinet.org</strong>
<span style="color: black;">CSPI link here: </span><a href="http://www.cspinet.org/canada/foodstrategies.html">http://www.cspinet.org/canada/foodstrategies.html</a>
Great if you can send a copy to me: <strong>prundall@babymilkaction.org</strong>
<strong>Useful links </strong><br />
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<span style="color: black;">1. The most recent version of the NGO-joint statement: </span><a href="http://cspinet.org/canada/pdf/conflict-of-interest-safeguards_health-trump-trade.july2014.pdf">http://cspinet.org/canada/pdf/conflict-of-interest-safeguards_health-trump-trade.july2014.pdf</a><br />
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<span style="color: black;">2. The most recent draft of the 2014 official political declaration of the United Nation is available here: </span><a href="http://www.who.int/nmh/events/2014/outcome-document.pdf?ua=1">http://www.who.int/nmh/events/2014/outcome-document.pdf?ua=1</a><br />
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<span style="color: black;">3. Meeting details: </span><a href="http://www.un.org/en/ga/president/68/events/hlm_ncd.shtml">http://www.un.org/en/ga/president/68/events/hlm_ncd.shtml</a><br />
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<span style="color: black;">4. The meetings will be webcast July 10-11, 2014 at: </span><a href="http://webtv.un.org/">http://webtv.un.org/</a><br />
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<span style="color: black;">5. List of High Level Meeting political declarations since 1946: </span><a href="http://www.un.org/Depts/dhl/resguide/resins.htm">http://www.un.org/Depts/dhl/resguide/resins.htm</a><br />
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<span style="color: black;">5. The joint statement of NGOs and periodically updated list of signatories is available at: </span><a href="http://cspinet.org/canada/pdf/conflict-of-interest-safeguards_health-trump-trade.july2014.pdf">http://cspinet.org/canada/pdf/conflict-of-interest-safeguards_health-trump-trade.july2014.pdf</a>
<strong>Background</strong>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "lucida grande";">In September 2011, governments gathered at the United Nations headquarters in New York City to unanimously agree to a Political Declaration on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases. This was the second UN declaration to focus on a health issue since World War II (the other focused on HIV-AIDS in 2001). </span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "lucida grande";">Out of concern for the lack of attention to conflicts of interest and the way corporations were inappropriately influencing the proceedings, a <a href="http://coicoalition.blogspot.co.uk/" title="COIC">Conflict of Interest Coalition</a> was formed. It had a very specific objective: to call on the <strong>United Nations General Assembly</strong> to bring in effective safeguards to protect public health policy setting from commercial interests. Our <a href="http://coicoalition.blogspot.co.uk/" title="COIC statement">2011 Statement</a> was rapidly endorsed by 162 NGOs and networks, representing over 2000 NGOs. </span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "lucida grande";">Government leaders will gather again in NYC on <strong>July 10-11, 2014</strong> to take stock of progress. </span>Supporters of the Coalition will be attending the meeting and will raise the same concerns: <a href="http://www.babymilkaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/COIC-COIN-Statement.pdf">COIC/COIN 2014 Statement</a> <a href="http://www.who.int/nmh/events/2014/high-level-unga/en/" target="_blank" title="WHO NCDs">CLICK HERE</a> for background papers on the WHO website.
The Public Private Partnership approach follows the vision for future global governance outlined in the World Economic Forum’s Global Redesign Initiative (WEF-GRI). As outlined in the <a href="http://www.babymilkaction.org/archives/1159" title="ICN2">NGO letter</a> on ICN2 - according to the WEF’s key global public issues can be removed from UN agencies’ agendas whenever they risk resulting in policies or regulations ‘unfriendly’ to profit maximisation. “Stakeholderisation” blunts necessary political conflicts, brings TNCs in as the indispensable ‘stakeholder’ in any policy-making arena. This risks a loss of democratic principles, diverts attention from the role of corporations in causing malnutrition, in all of its forms, and the urgent need for regulation.
The COI statement was used in <a href="http://www.babymilkaction.org/archives/926" title="Informal hearing"><strong>Informal interactive hearing with NGOs, civil society organizations, the private sector and academia on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases</strong></a> on the 16th June. http://www.babymilkaction.org/archives/926
If you would like to join the <a href="http://coicoalition.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank" title="COIC Blogspot"><strong>Conflict of Interest Network</strong> </a>please contact me for the <strong>Terms of Reference. </strong>
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<strong>`TEXT of the Statement</strong></div>
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* The Conflict of Interest Network (COIN) is the formally constituted organisation that builds on the Conflict of Interest Coalition Statement.</div>
<strong>On the occasion of the Comprehensive Review and Assessment of the Progress achieved in the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases. General Assembly 10-11 July 2014</strong>
<b>Call for reaffirmation of the 2011 Political Declaration and effective safeguards against conflicts of interest.</b>
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The Conflict of Interest Coalition/Network * was founded in June 2011 at this Assembly with a specific objective to help safeguard the United Nation’s integrity and independence and to ensure its ability to protect health and public health policy setting from commercial influence when dealing with policies related to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).</div>
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Our ‘<i>Statement of Concern’,</i> sent to the UN President and the co-facilitators of the UN High Level Meeting on NCDs in September 2011, focuses on the lack of clarity regarding the role of corporations and their business interest associations in public policy-making and the urgent need to identify, manage and avoid conflicts of interest.</div>
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The Statement has been endorsed by 162 public health groups and networks representing more than 2,000 groups in most Member States and relates to the marketing of unhealthy foods, alcohol and tobacco products that continue to be a major contributor to the annual toll of 36 million deaths due to NCDs.</div>
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As new multi- and bi-lateral trade agreements are emerging, it is critically important that the UN and WHO, as the lead authority on this issue, support and defend Member States’ rights and duty to protect public health through effective legally-binding controls on marketing.</div>
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We are calling on the UN to recognize the need for clarity and action on both individual and institutional conflicts of interest and propose that the following definitions may be useful:</div>
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<i>“[Individual] conflicts of interest are defined as circumstances that create a risk that professional judgements or actions regarding a primary interest will be unduly influenced by a secondary interest.”</i></div>
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<i>“Institutional conflicts of interest arise when an institution’s own financial interest or those of its senior officials pose risks of undue influence on decisions involving the institution’s primary interests.” </i><sup>1</sup></div>
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<b>Reference:</b></div>
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1 Lo, B. and M. Field, Inst of Med. (US) Committee on Conflict of Interest in Medical Research, Education and Practice, Eds. (2009).</div>
Patti Rundallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12070085067176760358noreply@blogger.com191tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-358603198656780779.post-77000423556338086462015-11-12T07:35:00.002-08:002015-11-12T07:40:15.785-08:00NGOs criticise WHO's 'non paper' on conflicts of interest<h3>
<strong>NGOs criticise WHO's 'non paper' on conflicts of interest</strong></h3>
22.10.2015
For the past 4 years and as part of the WHO reform, WHO and its governing bodies are discussing new set of policies, currently called <strong>Framework of Engagement With Non State Actors</strong> (FENSA). This is a critically important document as its final shape will determine whether WHO will be an agency able to protect its independence, integrity and credibility. The International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), Third World Network (TWN) and other Public-interest NGOs and networks have been closely following the process.
Negotiations have taking place in Geneva this week and tomorrow - Friday 23rd October - Member States will discuss a new problematic document - referred to as a <a href="http://www.babymilkaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/NonPaper.pdf">NonPaper</a> [1] that has been prepared by WHO's Secretariat. <span style="color: #666666; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif;">This paper lists supposed risks of implementing FENSA</span> and suggests that it would have<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif;"> <em>“detrimental consequences on the work of WHO.”</em></span><i> </i>
In response to the <em>"non-paper''</em> 66 NGOs working in health, right to food and nutrition or human rights have written to Dr Chan, Director General of WHO, calling on her to protect the UN and overall policy-making from corporate takeover. CLICK HERE: <a href="http://www.babymilkaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/NGOtoChan_22.10.15-2..pdf">NGOtoChan_22.10.15 (2).</a>
The NGOs express concern that the <em>"non-paper'' </em>is an attempt by the Secretariat to prevent the further strengthening of FENSA that would allow it to become a much-needed robust framework that would insulate WHO from corporate capture and other undue influences. Currently WHO does not have transparent effective policies and tools to prevent such undue influences.
The <em>"non-paper'' </em>lists potential<em> ‘unintended consequences’</em> often in an exaggerated manner, as assumptions, without providing any empirical evidence to back up these claims.
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The letter reminds Dr Chan of her statementat the Regional Committee of Europe on 15 September 2015 in which she said : <em>“The new distribution of power raises an absolutely critical question for health in the sustainable development era. Who really governs the policies that shape our health? Is it democratically elected officials acting in the public interest? Is it multinational corporations acting in their own interest? Or is it both? That is, governments making policies that are heavily influenced by corporate lobbies.” </em></div>
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1 <em>Implication of Implementing the Framework of Engagement with Non State Actors - Non Paper prepared by the WHO Secretariatfor consideration by the informal meeting of Member States on 19-23 October.</em><br />
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For more information contact;</div>
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<b>For IBFAN</b>: Patti Rundall 07786 523493 or Lida Lhotska: Lida.lhotska@gifa.org</div>
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<b>For TWN </b>Gopa Kumar: kumargopakm@gmail.com<br />
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The letter with late endorsers <a href="http://www.babymilkaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/NGOtoChan_22.10.15PLUSextras..pdf">NGOtoChan_22.10.15PLUSextras.</a><a href="http://www.babymilkaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/NGOtoChan_22.10.15PLUSextras..pdf">.</a></div>
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further information can be found here:</div>
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Rapid Response on the BMJ<a href="http:/" target="_blank"><em> Time to debate WHO’s understanding of conflicts of interest </em> </a>http://www.bmj.com/content/348/bmj.g3351/rr</div>
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<a href="http://WHO: Secretariat “scare mongering” on FENSA">TWN article: <strong>WHO: Secretariat “scare mongering” on FENSA </strong>
</a>http://twn.my/title2/health.info/2015/hi151011.htm</div>
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http://www.babymilkaction.org/archives/4192</div>
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http://www.babymilkaction.org/archives/4127</div>
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<strong>Civil Society Letter of Concern on FENSA “non-paper”</strong><br />
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To
Dr. Margaret Chan,<br />
Director General
World Health Organization (WHO)<br />
Geneva<br />
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Dear Dr. Chan<br />
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We, the undersigned, are from public-interest civil society networks and organizations who stand for a strong, independent World Health Organization (WHO) that does its work with integrity and deserves the trust of global citizens.<br />
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We write to express our concern about the “non-paper” titled “Implications of Implementing Framework of Engagement with Non-state Actors” that was issued by the Secretariat on 14 October 2015.
WHO Members States initiated the development of the Framework of Engagement with Non-State Actors (FENSA) to safeguard the independence, integrity and credibility of the WHO when engaging with ‘non-state actors’ (NSAs).<br />
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FENSA was to provide a robust framework for engagement with NSAs to ensure the protection of the Organization from undue influence especially in its norms and standard setting functions.
The non-paper prepared by the Secretariat, portrays the implementation of FENSA as having “detrimental consequences on the work of WHO”, provides no constructive contribution to the new Member State-led process. We question the motives behind such a paper as it comes in the middle of negotiations. It is purported prepared on the basis of a decision of the World Health Assembly (WHA). Yet, we do not find any such decision reflected in the WHA resolutions or the list of decisions.
We are very concerned that the paper by the Secretariat can undermine further strengthening of a FENSA and prevent it becoming a truly robust framework, as the paper lists the potential ‘unintended consequences’ often in an exaggerated manner, as assumptions, without providing any empirical evidence to back up these claims.
A robust framework is essential to protect the integrity, independence and credibility of WHO as it carries out its essential norm-setting tasks. We refer here to your address at the Regional Committee of Europe on 15 September 2015, in which you stated:
“<em>The new distribution of power raises an absolutely critical question for health in the sustainable development era. Who really governs the policies that shape our health? Is it democratically elected officials acting in the public interest? Is it multinational corporations acting in their own interest? Or is it both? That is, governments making policies that are heavily influenced by corporate lobbies.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=358603198656780779#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1"><strong>[1]</strong></a></em>
While fully agreeing with your concern, we would like to point out that it is high time to take measures in the Organization to insulate WHO from corporate capture and other undue influences. It will be a step in the right direction if the final framework contains effective provisions for identifying risks of undue corporate influence, including conflicts of interest, and measures to avoid and when not possible, manage, such risks in a transparent and effective manner.
Moreover, currently, WHO does not have transparent and effective policies and tools to prevent such undue influences and risks. As you are aware, the Organization lacks a comprehensive conflicts of interest policy within which the existing tools could be implemented, and new ones identified and developed, including capacity building for WHO staff. Therefore, it is very disconcerting that the FENSA provisions on conflicts of interest contain conceptual errors, despite repeated attempts by public interest advocates to highlight these in the governing body debates and in NGO statements. It is urgent to fix those errors.
We call upon you to ensure that your Secretariat supports a constructive finalization of a FENSA that includes robust provisions to prevent undue influence from the private corporate sector, including corporate philanthropy foundations, and that the secondary interest of WHO to secure funding does not collide with the WHO constitutional mandate, a conflict of interest that global public health cannot afford.
We thus kindly ask you to ensure that the Secretariat act in good faith and protect the independence, integrity and credibility of WHO. We stand ready to support your efforts in that direction.
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=358603198656780779#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">[1]</a> <a href="http://www.who.int/dg/speeches/2015/europe-regional-committee/en/">http://www.who.int/dg/speeches/2015/europe-regional-committee/en/</a>
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Endorsers (this list is being updated regularly)
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<ol>
<li>ACT+ Alliance for Tobacco Control and Health Promotion (Brazil)</li>
<li>Action on Sugar and World Action on Salt and Health</li>
<li>Alcohol Policy Youth Network</li>
<li>All India Drug Action Network</li>
<li>All Nepal Peasants Federation</li>
<li>Alliance Against Conflict of Interest (AACI)</li>
<li>Anti Drug Abuse Association of Lesotho (ADAAL)</li>
<li>Arugaan Philippines</li>
<li>Asia Pacific Farmers Forum, South Asia</li>
<li>Asociacion Centro Feminista de Informacion y Accion – CEFEMINA</li>
<li>Associação Mama Mater/IBFAN Portugal</li>
<li>Association of Breastfeeding Mothers</li>
<li>Baby Milk Action</li>
<li>Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation</li>
<li>Berne Declaration</li>
<li>Blue Cross Norway</li>
<li>Blue Cross Thaba Bosiu Centre (TBC)</li>
<li>Breastfeeding Network (UK)</li>
<li>Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI)</li>
<li>Centre for Science in the Public Interest (Canada)</li>
<li>CESTA Friends of the Earth El Salvador</li>
<li>Corporate Accountability International</li>
<li>Diverse Women for Diversity (India)</li>
<li>El Poder del Consumidor (Mexico)</li>
<li>FIAN International</li>
<li>FIAN Nepal and National Network on Right to Food Nepal</li>
<li>First steps Nutrition Trust (UK)</li>
<li>Foundation for Research in Science, Technology & Ecology</li>
<li>Global Policy Forum</li>
<li>GNRTFN secretariat</li>
<li>Haburas Foundation/ Friends of the Earth Timor-Leste</li>
<li>Health Equalities Group</li>
<li>Health Innovation in Practice (HIP), Geneva</li>
<li>ICCO COOPERATION, India Office</li>
<li>Initiative for Health & Equity in Society (India)</li>
<li>Institute for Socioeconomic Studies - INESC (Brazil)</li>
<li>International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN)</li>
<li>International Code Documentation Centre (ICDC)</li>
<li>Knowledge Ecology International</li>
<li>La Leche League Great Britain (UK)</li>
<li>Lactation Consultants of Great Britain</li>
<li>Medico International</li>
<li>Medicus Mundi International – Network Health for All</li>
<li>Mother and Infant Research Unit, University of Dundee (UK)</li>
<li>NCT (UK)</li>
<li>Osservatorio Italiano sulla Salute Globale (OISG)</li>
<li>People’s Health Movement (Global)</li>
<li>REDES-FoE (Uruguay)</li>
<li>Responsible Approaches to Infant Feeding (RAIF). New Zealand</li>
<li>RIPESS Intercontinental</li>
<li>Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (UK)</li>
<li>SAAPA Lesotho</li>
<li>Society for International Development –SID (Italy)</li>
<li>South Asia Food Sovereignty Network</li>
<li>South Asia Peasants Coalition</li>
<li>The European Alcohol Policy Alliance</li>
<li>The Housing and Land Rights Network</li>
<li>Third World Network (TWN)</li>
<li>UK Faculty of Public Health</li>
<li>UK Health Forum</li>
<li>WEMOS Foundation</li>
<li>World Breastfeeding Tends Initiative</li>
<li>World Obesity Federation</li>
<li>World Public Health Nutrition Association</li>
<li>Young Professionals Chronic Disease Network (YP-CDN)</li>
<li>Youth Network No Excuse Slovenia</li>
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Patti Rundallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12070085067176760358noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-358603198656780779.post-6375639546786836222015-11-12T07:31:00.000-08:002015-11-12T07:31:33.993-08:00General Assembly 2014<div class="vidTitle" style="font-weight: bold;">
<a href="http://www.babymilkaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Bill-Jeffrey.png"><img alt="Bill Jeffrey" class="alignleft wp-image-935 size-medium" src="http://www.babymilkaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Bill-Jeffrey-273x300.png" height="300" style="margin: 10px;" title="Bill Jeffrey speaking at the UN GA on NCDs" width="273" /></a>
<a href="http://www.babymilkaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Bettcher-UN-NCDs.png"><img alt="Bettcher UN NCDs" class="alignleft wp-image-931 size-medium" src="http://www.babymilkaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Bettcher-UN-NCDs-300x240.png" height="240" style="margin: 10px;" title="Douglas Bettcher, WHO speaking at UNGA" width="300" /></a>General Assembly: Informal interactive hearing with NGOs, civil society organizations, the private sector and academia on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
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Round Table 2: “<em>Mobilizing whole of society efforts for NCD prevention and control at national and regional levels: gaps, solutions, innovations and collaborative multi-sectoral partnerships, and fostering private sector and non-health sector </em><a class="fancybox" href="http://webtv.un.org/live-now/watch/general-assembly-informal-interactive-hearing-with-non-governmental-organizations-civil-society-organizations-the-private-sector-and-academia-on-the-prevention-and-control-of-non-communicable-diseases/1667942224001/#full-text" rel="group" style="color: #004276; font-style: inherit;">...Read More</a>
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Thanks to Bill Jeffrey of Centre for Science in the Public Interest for delivering part of <a href="http://www.babymilkaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/COIC-161.June-2014-v2.pdf" title="COICUN June 2014">our statement </a>on behalf of the Conflict of Interest Coalition/Network at the General Assembly. <a href="http://www.babymilkaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/COIC-161.June-2014-v2.pdf">COIC 161.June 2014 v2</a>
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The afternoon session on partnerships can be seen on <a href="http://webtv.un.org/live-now/watch/general-assembly-informal-interactive-hearing-with-non-governmental-organizations-civil-society-organizations-the-private-sector-and-academia-on-the-prevention-and-control-of-non-communicable-diseases/1667942224001/">this link</a></div>
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<a href="http://webtv.un.org/live-now/watch/general-assembly-informal-interactive-hearing-with-non-governmental-organizations-civil-society-organizations-the-private-sector-and-academia-on-the-prevention-and-control-of-non-communicable-diseases/1667942224001/">http://webtv.un.org/live-now/watch/general-assembly-informal-interactive-hearing-with-non-governmental-organizations-civil-society-organizations-the-private-sector-and-academia-on-the-prevention-and-control-of-non-communicable-diseases/1667942224001/</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.babymilkaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/COIC-161.June-2014-v2.pdf">COIC 161.June 2014 v2</a>Patti Rundallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12070085067176760358noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-358603198656780779.post-57395264566880937732012-04-16T03:08:00.002-07:002013-10-21T07:28:01.560-07:00Explanatory Note<br />
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<span mce_style="font: 9.5px Optima;" style="font: normal normal normal 9.5px/normal Optima;">T</span>he <a href="http://info.babymilkaction.org/sites/info.babymilkaction.org/files/COIC%20161.16.4.12.pdf" mce_href="http://info.babymilkaction.org/sites/info.babymilkaction.org/files/COIC 161.16.4.12.pdf" style="color: #027ac6; text-decoration: none;" title="COIC 161">Statement of Concern</a> below was developed by the Conflicts of Interest Coalition (COIC) and was submitted to the President of the UN General Assembly in September 2011. It has now been endorsed by 162 national, regional and global networks and organisations working in different fields of public health, including medicine, nutrition, cancer, diabetes, heart, liver and lung disease, mental health, infant feeding, food safety and development. </div>
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<span mce_style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">The principles and recommendations of this Statement can be applied to all areas of public health policy setting, but in particular to work on NCDs. </span></div>
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<span mce_style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">The statement focuses on the lack of clarity regarding the role of the private sector in public policy-making and calls for the development of a Code of Conduct and Ethical Framework to help protect the integrity of the UN's public policy decision-making, to ensure it is transparent and to identify, safeguard against and manage potential conflicts of interest.</span></div>
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<i><span mce_style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">The Statement calls for:</span></i></div>
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<span mce_style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">a clear distinction to be made between business-interest not-for-profit organisations (BINGOs) and public interest non-governmental organisations (PINGOs) </span></div>
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<span mce_style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">a clear differentiation between policy and norms and standards development <span class="Apple-tab-span" mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>and appropriate involvement in implementation. </span></div>
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<span mce_style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">Since the major causes of preventable death are driven by diseases related to tobacco, poor diet, physical inactivity and alcohol drinking, the endorsers of the Statement are concerned about the overuse of the term ‘partnerships’ - without any clarification of what this term means. We remain concerned that public-private partnerships in these areas can counteract efforts to protect and improve public health.</span></div>
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<span mce_style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">The Conflict of Interest Coalition is calling on WHO to develop guidance for Member States to identify conflicts and eliminate those that are not permissible. We ask that WHO perform thorough risk/benefit analyses on partnerships and provide surveillance on those considered acceptable. </span></div>
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<span mce_style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">Transparency, although an essential requirement and first step, is not a sufficient safeguard in and of itself against negative impacts of conflicts of interest.</span></div>
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<span mce_style="font-family: Helvetica;" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span mce_style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" mce_name="em" mce_style="font-style: italic;" style="font-style: italic;">* The Conflicts of Interest Coalition comprises civil society organisations united by the common objective of safeguarding public health policy-making against commercial conflicts of interest through the development of a Code of Conduct and Ethical Framework for interactions with the private sector.</span></span></span></div>
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<span mce_style="font-family: Helvetica;" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span mce_style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" mce_name="em" mce_style="font-style: italic;" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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Patti Rundallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12070085067176760358noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-358603198656780779.post-36050978073446875752012-04-12T05:15:00.000-07:002012-04-16T03:13:08.753-07:00Conflict of Interest statement has 161 endorsers - and countingFor a pdf with the updated list of endorsers - <a href="http://info.babymilkaction.org/sites/info.babymilkaction.org/files/COIC%20161.16.4.12_0.pdf">click here.</a><br />
Remember, whenever you want to download the latest version of the Conflicts of Interest Coalition statement of concern on conflicts of interest, all you have to do is click on the COI Coalition logo at the top right of every page - or the link underneath it.COIC Statement of Concern<a href="http://info.babymilkaction.org/sites/info.babymilkaction.org/files/COIC%20161.16.4.12_0.pdf">http://info.babymilkaction.org/sites/info.babymilkaction.org/files/COIC%20161.16.4.12_0.pdf</a>Mike Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121310163466468696noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-358603198656780779.post-15641159250843614712011-10-25T05:55:00.000-07:002011-10-25T06:00:29.979-07:00The Rio Political Declaration on Social Determinants of Health<div>The World Health Organisation (WHO) World Conference on Social Determinants of Health issued the Rio Declaration on 21 October 2011. <a href="http://info.babymilkaction.org/pressrelease/pressrelease20oct11">Click here</a> for a press release from Baby Milk Action.</div><div><br /></div><div>The draft official Rio Declaration included text calling for collaboration with stakeholders, including the private sector. The Conflicts of Interests Coalition <a href="http://coicoalition.blogspot.com/2011/09/coi-coalition-statement.html">statement of concern</a> was distributed to delegates and the final text makes reference to conflicts of interest in three places:</div><div><br /></div><div><i>"Foster collaboration with the private sector, safeguarding against conflict of interests, to contribute to achieving health through policies and actions on social determinants of health;"</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"Promote inclusive and transparent governance approaches, which engage early with affected sectors at all levels of governments, as well as support social participation and involve civil society and the private sector, safeguarding against conflict of interests;"</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"Promote appropriate monitoring systems that take into consideration the role of all relevant stakeholders including civil society, nongovernmental organizations as well as the private sector, with appropriate safeguard against conflict of interests, in the monitoring and evaluation process;"</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Lida Lhotska, the European Coordinator of the International Baby Food Action Network (<a href="http://www.ibfan.org/">IBFAN</a>), commented: </div><div><br /></div><div><i>"The call to safeguard against conflict of interests is much welcome. However, it should not apply only to Member States but also to WHO as an agency which will be supporting Member States in their efforts to implement the Declaration. WHO in fact does have a unique opportunity to develop a comprehensive institutional policy that would guarantee adequate safeguard against both individual and organisational conflicts of interests as part of the announced WHO's reform."</i></div>Mike Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121310163466468696noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-358603198656780779.post-44604611961029720632011-09-29T10:20:00.000-07:002011-09-29T10:23:03.131-07:00<strong>MEDIA COVERAGE</strong><em>: </em><br />
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<span style="color: #002d59; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: xx-small;"><strong><strong>Lancet:</strong> <a href="http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(11)61463-3/fulltext" title="Lncet letter">letter from the COI Coalition</a> 16.9.11:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #002d59; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: xx-small;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(11)61463-3/fulltext</span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #002d59; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: xx-small;"><strong><strong>Washington Post</strong>: 21.9.11 <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/battle-of-commercial-interests-loom-over-fight-against-noncommunicable-diseases/2011/09/20/gIQAy0rZjK_story.html" title="WSJ">Battle of commercial interests confound fight against noncommunicable diseases </a> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/battle-of-commercial-interests-loom-over-fight-against-noncommunicable-diseases/2011/09/20/gIQAy0rZjK_story.html</span></strong></span></div>
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<strong>The Guardian <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/sep/16/un-summit-spread-lifestyle-diseases" title="Guardian">UN calls summit on Lifestyle diseases</a> </strong> 20.9.11 <span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/sep/16/un-summit-spread-lifestyle-diseases</span></div>
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<strong><a href="http://www.nutraingredients.com/content/view/print/562253" title="Nutraingredients">Nutraingredients</a>:</strong> 20.9.11 <span style="text-decoration: underline;"> http://www.nutraingredients.com/content/view/print/562253</span></div>
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<span style="color: #002d59; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;"><strong>Canadian Medical Association: 20.9.11 <a href="http://www.cmaj.ca/site/earlyreleases/20sept11_un-summit-urges-more-accountability-within-food-and-beverage-industry.pdf" title="CMAJ">UN summit urges more accountability within food and beverage industry</a> </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Final </strong><strong><a href="http://info.babymilkaction.org/sites/info.babymilkaction.org/files/FINAL%20PD.pdf" title="Final PD">Political Declaration</a></strong><strong> adopted 19th September 2011:</strong><em> </em></span></span></div>
Patti Rundallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12070085067176760358noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-358603198656780779.post-18228298918951924472011-09-20T12:28:00.000-07:002011-09-21T12:42:22.178-07:00U.N.-Approved Global Pact for Tackling Nutrition- and Alcohol-related Diseases is Strong on Awareness, Timid on Action<div>Press release.</div><div><br /></div><div>NEW YORK (September 19, 2011) — A consortium representing thousands of non-profit public health advocacy groups made the following comment on the “Political Declaration” of the “High Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases” at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on September 19-20, 2011, approved unanimously at 10:04 a.m. today. (Following several months of negotiation, U.N. officials recently added several hours to the plenary session to accommodate a high level of interest by world leaders and other top government officials to speak to the issue in the Assembly Hall.)</div><div><br /></div><div>The U.N. Political Declaration shows that governments world-wide have achieved a much better understanding of the extent to which poor nutrition and excess alcohol consumption worsen public health, weaken workforce productivity, and drive-up expensive treatment-intensive costs related to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. Leaders also acknowledged that prevention must be a cornerstone of global and national responses to NCDs.Such newly acquired top-level awareness is, alone, a great achievement, but a clear commitment to implement prevention policies is still missing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Effective public policy reform is the first casualty of timid “partnering” with companies that make products that contribute to an increase in disease risks or products that treat disease symptoms. To their credit, governments agreed that tobacco companies should have no place at the table, but risk trusting multi-trillion dollar global purveyors of alcohol, junk food, and pharmaceutical drugs to voluntarily change their for-profit stripes. Governments cannot continue to allow conflicts of interest with the private sector to go unchallenged and unmanaged in the policy-making process. An ethical code of conduct is needed to guide interactions with the private sector, which we must not forget is answerable primarily to shareholders and not to public health.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Political Declaration is silent on specifics and short on solid commitment to regulations that could, for example:</div><div> </div><div><ul><li>Mandate salt and sugar reduction in high-salt and high-sugar processed foods;</li><br /><li>Realign food VAT/GST policies for food and agricultural subsidies with sound nutrition science;</li><br /><li>Mandate easy-to-understand front-of-pack nutrition labelling;</li><br /><li>Mandate nutrition information (e.g., sodium and calories) on restaurant menus;</li><br /><li>Prohibit the use of trans-fat laden partially hydrogenated oils in food;</li><br /><li>Protect children and young people from marketing of products that raise the risk of disease (e.g. banning the promotion of breast-milk substitutes and high-fat, -sugar and -salt foods to children and young people); and</li><br /><li>Prohibit advertising and brand sponsorship for alcohol beverages;</li><br /><li>Increase taxes on alcohol beverages;</li><br /><li>Require and enforce effective restrictions on impaired driving (such as random breath testing),and minimum purchase age; and</li><br /><li>Expand nutritious school meal programs.</li></ul></div><div>The Political Declaration reinforced its support for the World Health Organization’s landmark Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and also called for the protection of breastfeeding and implementation of the Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, (1) but defers much of the job of addressing nutrition and alcohol to future work of WHO technical experts, Member States, and future U.N. meetings. Work left undone includes:</div><div><ul><li>developing tools to navigate the trade law barriers to health policy innovation,</li><br /><li>establishing workable, but energetic disease reduction targets and detailed policy implementation schedules, and</li><br /><li>vitally, instituting a mechanism to keep commercially self-interested parties at arms-length and public-interest groups constructively involved.</li></ul></div><div><b>Note to editors: </b></div><div><br /></div><div>The statement of the Conflict of Interest Coalition can be found at:</div><div><a href="http://coicoalition.blogspot.com/2011/09/coi-coalition-statement.html">http://coicoalition.blogspot.com/2011/09/coi-coalition-statement.html</a></div><div><br /></div><div>The final “Political Declaration” at: </div><div><a href="http://coicoalition.blogspot.com/2011/09/coi-coalition-statement.html">http://www.who.int/nmh/events/un_ncd_summit2011/political_declaration.pdf</a> and will soon be issued in the six officials languages of the United Nations. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Meeting’s program agenda can be found at:</div><div><a href="http://cspinet.org/canada/pdf/summit-information-note-9-sept-2011.pdf">http://cspinet.org/canada/pdf/summit-information-note-9-sept-2011.pdf </a></div><div><br /></div><div>1 (i) Promote, protect and support breastfeeding, including exclusive breastfeeding for about six months from birth, as appropriate, as breastfeeding reduces susceptibility to infections and the risk of undernutrition, promotes infant and young children’s growth and development and helps to reduce the risk of developing conditions such as obesity and non-communicable diseases later in life, and, in this regard, strengthen the implementation of the international code of marketing of breast milk substitutes and subsequent relevant World Health Assembly resolutions;</div><div><br /></div><div>Spokesperson Contact Information in New York City</div><div> </div><div>Centre for Science in the Public Interest, Canada (CSPI-Canada) is an independent health advocacy organization with offices in Ottawa and Washington. CSPI's advocacy efforts are supported by more than 100,000 subscribers to the Canadian edition of its Nutrition Action Healthletter, on average, one subscribing household within a one block radius of every Canadian street corner. CSPI does not accept industry or government funding and Nutrition Action does not carry advertisements. Contact Point in New York City: Bill Jeffery, LLB, National Coordinator, Mobile/Text: 1-613-565-2140; <a href="mailto:bjeffery@cspinet.ca">bjeffery@cspinet.ca</a> ; Skype at: billjeffery2447337; <a href="http://www.cspinet.org/canada/foodstrategies.html">http://www.cspinet.org/canada/foodstrategies.html</a> Follow me this week on Twitter at BillJefferyCSPI</div><div><br /></div><div>Consumers International (CI) is the only independent global campaigning voice for consumers. With over 220 member organisations in 115 countries, we are building a powerful international consumer movement to help protect and empower consumers everywhere. Contact point in New York: Indrani Thuraisingham, CI’s head of Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Mobile +601 2205 2277. E-mail <a href="mailto:indrani@ciroap.org">indrani(at)ciroap.org</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Global Alcohol Policy Alliance (GAPA) is a developing network of non-government organizations and people working in public health agencies that share information on alcohol issues and advocate evidence-based alcohol policies. Contacts in New York: Derek Rutherford: drutherford@ias.org.uk, mobile +44-7710235164; Dr. Sally Casswell, Chairperson of the Scientific Advisory Panel: <a href="mailto:s.casswell@massey.ac.nz">s.casswell@massey.ac.nz</a>, mobile +64-21655346 Øystein Bakke, Secretary: <a href="mailto:oystein.bakke@forut.no">oystein.bakke@forut.no</a> ; mobile +47-41622135; and George Hacker, <a href="mailto:ghacker@cspinet.org">ghacker@cspinet.org</a>, mobile +1-202-746-9210.</div><div><br /></div><div>International Association for Consumer Food Organizations (IACFO) is an association of non-governmental organizations that represent consumer interests in the areas of nutrition, food safety, and related food policy matters. IACFO was formed in 1997 to increase consumer representation in the debate over the global food trade and to work with international agencies responsible for harmonizing standards related to the production, distribution, and sale of foods. IACFO regularly participates, as a recognized observer, in meetings of committees of the Codex Alimentarius Commission and meetings convened by the World Health Organization, the World Trade Organization, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. IACFO’s members also represent consumer interests before government regulatory agencies on five continents and release reports examining current nutrition policy and food safety issues. Contact Point in New York: See info, below, for CSPI and IBFAN.</div><div><br /></div><div>International Association for the Study of Obesity (IASO) is a not-for-profit organisation linking over 50 regional and national associations with over 10,000 professional members in scientific, medical and research organisations. It is an umbrella organisation for 52 national obesity associations, representing 56 countries. Its mission is to improve global health by promoting the understanding of obesity and weight-related diseases through scientific research and dialogue, whilst encouraging the development of effective policies for their prevention and management. Contact in New York: Shiriki Kumanyika, PhD, MPH at <a href="mailto:skumanyi@mail.med.upenn.edu">skumanyi@mail.med.upenn.edu</a> ; mobile: 1-267-252-1642</div><div><br /></div><div>International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) consists of public interest groups working around the world to reduce infant and young child morbidity and mortality. IBFAN aims to improve the health and well-being of babies and young children, their mothers and their families through the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding and optimal infant feeding practices. IBFAN works for universal and full implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitute and Resolutions. Contact Point in New York City: Patti Rundall at <a href="mailto:prundall@babymilkaction.org">prundall@babymilkaction.org</a>; mobile: 44-0778-6-523493. website: <a href="http://info.babymilkaction.org/node/458">http://info.babymilkaction.org/node/458</a></div><div><br /></div><div>National Heart Forum (NHF-UK) is a leading charitable alliance of 70 national organisations working to reduce the risk of avoidable chronic diseases—coronary heart, disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, respiratory disease, and cancer. Our purpose is to co-ordinate public health policy development and advocacy among members drawn from professional representative bodies, consumer groups, voluntary and public sector organisations. Contact in New York: Paul Lincoln mobile +44 7946 433215; <a href="mailto:paul.lincoln@heartforum.org.uk">paul.lincoln@heartforum.org.uk</a> Skype: paul.lincoln; Modi Mwatsama: mobile +44 7941 694995; <a href="mailto:modi.mwatsama@heartforum.org.uk">modi.mwatsama@heartforum.org.uk</a> ; Skype: modi.mwatsama Follow me this week on twitter at ModiMwatsama</div><div><br /></div><div>World Cancer Research Fund International (WCRF International) Working with leading research scientists, policy makers and health professionals, WCRF International is committed to making cancer prevention a reality. It is the not-for-profit umbrella association that leads and unifies our WCRF global network of cancer charities dedicated to funding research and education programmes into the link between food, nutrition, physical activity, weight maintenance and cancer risk. The national charities are based in the US, UK, Netherlands, Hong Kong and France. WCRF International was created to maximise the potential of each national member, and by building a network of cancer charities, strengthen the global cancer prevention message. With the belief that greater impact can be achieved when allied organisations work together, WCRF International operates to ensure that each of its charities is in a stronger position than if it were operating in isolation. Contact Point in New York: Kate Allen, PhD at <a href="mailto:k.allen@wcrf.org">k.allen@wcrf.org</a>; mobile: 44-07766-600-940. Follow us on Twitter at WCRFInt</div><div><br /></div>Mike Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121310163466468696noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-358603198656780779.post-86050136725583119582011-09-16T11:50:00.000-07:002011-09-20T09:15:46.129-07:00Reuters reports on Lancet letterThe COI Coalition's letter to the Lancet has been picked up by the Reuters newswire.<div><br /></div><div><b>Health groups warn business could hijack UN disease meeting</b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/15/un-disease-industry-idUSL5E7KF2R620110915">http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/15/un-disease-industry-idUSL5E7KF2R620110915</a></div>Mike Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121310163466468696noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-358603198656780779.post-1608504830894534742011-09-16T09:12:00.000-07:002011-09-20T09:14:57.410-07:00Nestle, Glaxo Lobby UNReport on the Bloomberg Businessweek site on 16 September 2011:<div><br /></div><div><b>Nestle, Glaxo Lobby UN Over Biggest ‘Epidemic’ Battle Since AIDS</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-09-16/nestle-glaxo-lobby-un-over-biggest-epidemic-battle-since-aids.html">http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-09-16/nestle-glaxo-lobby-un-over-biggest-epidemic-battle-since-aids.html</a></div>Mike Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121310163466468696noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-358603198656780779.post-16187508712405342052011-09-16T09:07:00.000-07:002011-09-20T09:11:53.242-07:00Guardian article 16 September 2011The COI Coalition statement is reported in The Guardian on 16 September 2011. The Coalition is described as a 'vocal movement to address conflicts of interest':<div><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/sep/16/un-summit-spread-lifestyle-diseases">http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/sep/16/un-summit-spread-lifestyle-diseases</a><br /><div><br /></div><div>--Extract</div><div>Concerns at behind-the-scenes lobbying have led to a vocal movement to address conflicts of interest at the summit and within any global strategy against NCDs. More than 100 organisations, led by those who have fought the marketing of the baby milk corporations in the developing world but including those working on food, alcohol, tobacco and essential medicines issues, called on the UN to recognise the difference between such campaigners and groups representing industry, and develop a code of conduct for engaging with those who had a commercial interest in the outcome.</div></div><div>---extract ends</div>Mike Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121310163466468696noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-358603198656780779.post-47877711647616343742011-09-16T05:04:00.000-07:002011-09-20T05:07:52.855-07:00Letter in the Lancet - 16 September 2011A letter from the COI Coalition has been published in the Lancet, 16 September 2011:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Conflicts of interest and the UN high-level meeting on non-communicable diseases</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(11)61463-3/fulltext?rss=yes">http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(11)61463-3/fulltext?rss=yes</a>Mike Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121310163466468696noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-358603198656780779.post-31121661889116120932011-09-01T05:13:00.000-07:002011-09-20T09:58:43.319-07:00Statement of Concern<div>This statement can be downloaded as a pdf - <a href="http://info.babymilkaction.org/sites/info.babymilkaction.org/files/COIC%2019.9.11.pdf">in English</a> - <a href="http://info.babymilkaction.org/sites/info.babymilkaction.org/files/(5)%20ONU%20D%C3%A9claration%20CONFLITS%20INTERETS%20ANPAA%2007-2011.pdf">in French</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>This Statement of Concern has been developed by the Conflicts of Interest Coalition*. It focuses on the lack of clarity regarding the role of the private sector in public policy- making in relation to the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).</div><div><br /></div><div>It calls for the development of a Code of Conduct and Ethical Framework to help protect the integrity of, and to ensure transparency in, public policy decision-making, by safeguarding against, and identifying and managing conflicts of interest.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Statement of Concern has been sent to the President of the United Nations General Assembly and the co-facilitators of the United Nations High Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases.</div><div><br /></div><div>As of September 2011, the statement has been endorsed by 143 national, regional and global networks and organisations working in public health, including medicine, nutrition, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, mental health, infant feeding, food safety and development.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>To add your organisation’s support for this crucial issue, please email</b></div><div><b></b><b><a href="mailto:prundall@babymilkaction.org">prundall@babymilkaction.org </a>or <a href="mailto:policy@wcrf.org">policy@wcrf.org</a></b><b>.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><i>* The Conflicts of Interest Coalition comprises civil society organisations united by the common objective of safeguarding public health policy-making against commercial conflicts of interest through the development of a Code of Conduct and Ethical Framework for interactions with the private sector.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Our organisations strongly support the objective of raising the profile of NCDs globally.</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We call on the UN to:</span></b></div><div><ol><li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Recognise and distinguish between industries, including business-interest not-for-profit organisations (BINGOs) and public interest non-governmental organisations (PINGOs), that are both currently under the ‘Civil Society’ umbrella without distinction.</span></b></li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Develop a ‘Code of Conduct’ that sets out a clear framework for interacting with the private sector and managing conflicts of interest, and which differentiates between policy development and appropriate involvement in implementation.</span></b></li></ol></div><div>Since the major causes of preventable death are driven by diseases related to tobacco, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and alcohol drinking, we are concerned that many of the proposals to address NCDs call for ‘partnerships’ in these areas with no clarification of what this actually means.</div><div><br /></div><div>Public-private partnerships in these areas can counteract efforts to regulate harmful marketing practices.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is essential that a strong and clear policy on conflicts of interest is established by the international community to provide Member States with guidance to identify conflicts, eliminate those that are not permissible and manage those considered, based on thorough risk/benefit analysis, acceptable. Transparency, although an essential requirement and first step, is not a sufficient safeguard in and of itself against negative impacts of conflicts of interest.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>We propose that the following framework be used as a basis for a ‘Code of Conduct’ for industry</b></div><div><br /></div><div>The policy development stage should be free from industry involvement to ensure a “health in all policies” approach, which is not compromised by the obvious conflicts of interests associated with food, alcohol, beverage and other industries, that are primarily answerable to shareholders.</div><div><br /></div><div>These industries should, of course, be kept informed about policy development, through stakeholder briefings for example, but should not be in an influencing position when it comes to setting policy and strategies for addressing public health issues, such as NCD prevention and control.</div><div><br /></div><div>While it is important for these industries to be in dialogue during the policy development process, this should be as a means of informing the process relating to practical issues rather than as members of the policy development team.</div><div><br /></div><div>Industries are both part of the NCD problem and the solution. It is vital therefore to engage them in the most appropriate way when implementing policy and not when developing policy, to ensure that public health policy is protected from commercial interests.</div><div><br /></div><div>Without this approach, WHO’s principles of democratic policy-making for health, its constitutional mandate of the attainment of the highest possible level of health for all, and its independence, integrity and effectiveness will be undermined. Without such a policy, conflicts of interest can become institutionalised as the norm, impacting on the authority of governments. Industries with a strong interest in the outcome will increasingly assume greater roles in policy and decision shaping. This can fundamentally compromise and distort international and national public health priorities and policies.</div><div><br /></div><div>The conflict of interest concern is not limited to the direct involvement of industry. UN agencies, including the WHO, are unanimous in recognising the important contributions NGOs make in the area of public health and are aware of the growth of these organisations in their numbers and influence in health at global, regional and national levels, including in the area of NCDs. However, WHO and others have so far not made a clear distinction between BINGOs (business-interest not-for-profit NGOs that are set up by, representing or closely linked to, business interests) and PINGOs (public-interest NGOs). This failure to distinguish between the two groupings exacerbates any existing lack of transparency and complicates implementation of any procedures which aim to manage the role of these actors in policy and standard-setting consultations. In the Civil Society Interactive Hearing on 16th June, there was no clear differentiation between groups within civil society. The voice of civil society ought to reflect only public health interests.</div><div><br /></div><div>The safeguards in Article 5.3 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, the Resolutions on Infant and Young Child Nutrition and the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health can be used among other helpful tools to establish measures that go beyond individual conflicts of interests, and address institutional conflicts of interest.</div><div><br /></div><div>In summary, we call on the UN to recognise and distinguish between BINGOs and PINGOs that are currently under the ‘civil society’ umbrella and to develop a ‘Code of Conduct’ framework for industry engagement that differentiates between policy development and appropriate involvement in implementation that complies with existing regulations and the principles established in the Code of Conduct. We ask for the UN to consider our comments and take them into account for the UN High Level Meeting in September.</div><div><ol><li><a title="MSF" href="http://www.msfaccess.org/">Access to Essential Medicines Campaign - Médecins Sans Frontières</a> (Global)</li><li><a href="http://www.activeeurope.org/" mce_href="http://www.activeeurope.org/">Active – sobriety, friendship and peace </a>(Europe)</li><li>Affaires Européennes et Internationales (France)</li><li><a title="agb" href="http://www.babynahrung.org/" mce_href="http://www.babynahrung.org/">Aktionsgruppe Babyhahrung </a>(Germany)</li><li><a title="alcohol action ireland" href="http://www.alcoholireland.ie/" mce_href="http://www.alcoholireland.ie">Alcohol Action Ireland </a></li><li><a title="AFS" href="http://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/" mce_href="http://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk ">Alcohol Focus Scotland </a></li><li><a title="AHA" href="http://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/news/alcohol-health-alliance-uk-launched" mce_href="http://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/news/alcohol-health-alliance-uk-launched">Alcohol Health Alliance</a> (UK)</li><li><a title="APYN" href="http://www.apyn.org/" mce_href="http://www.apyn.org">Alcohol Policy Youth Network</a> (Europe)</li><li><a title="AIDAN" href="http://aidanindia.wordpress.com/" mce_href="http://aidanindia.wordpress.com/">All India Drug Action Network</a> (India)</li><li><a title="AACI" href="http://www.aaci-india.org/" mce_href="http://www.aaci-india.org/">Alliance Against Conflict of Interest</a> (AACI) (India)</li><li><a title="ACT BRAZIL" href="http://actbr.org.br/" mce_href="http://actbr.org.br/">Alliance for the Control of Tobacco Use (ACT) Brazil</a></li><li><a title="ARUGAAN" href="http://www.philssa.org.ph/membership/ncr/arugaan-support-system-for-women-with-young-children" mce_href="http://www.philssa.org.ph/membership/ncr/arugaan-support-system-for-women-with-young-children">Arugaan</a> (Philippines)</li><li><a title="AABA" href="http://visar.csustan.edu/aaba/home.html" mce_href="http://visar.csustan.edu/aaba/home.html">Association for Accountancy and Business Affairs </a>(UK)</li><li><a title="ACAH" href="http://www.acash.org/" mce_href="http://www.acash.org/">Association for Consumer's Action on Safety and Health</a> (India)</li><li><a title="ANPAA" href="http://www.anpaa.asso.fr/" mce_href="http://www.anpaa.asso.fr/">Association Nationale de Prévention en Alcoologie et Addictologie</a> (ANPAA) France</li><li><a title="ABA" href="http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/" mce_href="http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/">Australian Breastfeeding Association </a> (Australia)</li><li><a title="BFLG" href="http://dev.babyfeedinglawgroup.org.uk/" mce_href="http://dev.babyfeedinglawgroup.org.uk/">Baby Feeding Law Group</a> (UK)</li><li><a title="BABY MILK ACTION" href="http://info.babymilkaction.org/" mce_href="http://info.babymilkaction.org/">Baby Milk Action</a> (UK)</li><li><a title="BBF" href="http://www.bbf-bd.org/" mce_href="http://www.bbf-bd.org/">Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation</a> (Bangladesh)</li><li><a title="ICCRS" href="http://www.burlo.trieste.it/?Lang=en" mce_href="http://www.burlo.trieste.it/?Lang=en">Biomedical Research Centre for Maternal and Child Healthcare </a>(IRCCS) (Italy)</li><li><a title="Birthlight" href="http://birthlight.com/public/home/" mce_href="http://birthlight.com/public/home/">Birthlight</a> (UK)</li><li><a title="Berne Declaration" href="http://www.evb.ch/en/f25000188.html" mce_href="http://www.evb.ch/en/f25000188.html">Berne Declaration</a> (Switzerland)</li><li><a title="Blue Cross Norway" href="http://www.blakors.no/?CatID=1153" mce_href="http://www.blakors.no/?CatID=1153">Blue Cross Norway</a></li><li><a title="IDEC" href="http://somo.nl/organisations-en/IDEC" mce_href="http://somo.nl/organisations-en/IDEC">Brazilian Institute for Consumers Defense (IDEC)</a> (Brazil)</li><li>Brazilian Front for the Regulation of Food Advertising (Brazil)</li><li><a title="British Liver Trust" href="http://www.blogger.com/www.britishlivertrust.org.uk" mce_href="www.britishlivertrust.org.uk">British Liver Trust</a> (UK)</li><li><a title="http://www.vzwborstvoeding.be/" href="http://www.vzwborstvoeding.be/" mce_href="http://www.vzwborstvoeding.be/">Borstvoeding vzw</a> (Belgium)</li><li><a title="BFN" href="http://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/" mce_href="http://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/">Breastfeeding Network </a>(UK)</li><li><a title="BPNI" href="http://www.bpni.org/" mce_href="http://www.bpni.org/">Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India</a> (India)</li><li><a title="BASL" href="http://www.basl.org.uk/" mce_href="http://www.basl.org.uk/">British Society for the Study of Liver Disease</a> (UK)</li><li><a title="Calgary BFM" href="http://www.cbmg.ca/" mce_href="http://www.cbmg.ca/">Calgary Breastfeeding Matters Group Foundation</a> (Canada)</li><li><a title="FORUT" href="http://www.iogt-international.org/forutnorway/" mce_href="http://www.iogt-international.org/forutnorway/">Campaign for Development and Solidarity</a> (FORUT) Norway</li><li><a title="Cancer research UK" href="http://aboutus.cancerresearchuk.org/" mce_href="http://aboutus.cancerresearchuk.org/">Cancer Research UK</a> </li><li><a title="CWT" href="http://www.cwt.org.uk/" mce_href="http://www.cwt.org.uk/">Caroline Walker Trust</a> (UK)</li><li><a title="Cantebury" href="http://www.cbnet.org.nz/page/21525/canterbury-breastfeeding-advocacy-service/?section=11375&tab=214" mce_href="http://www.cbnet.org.nz/page/21525/canterbury-breastfeeding-advocacy-service/?section=11375&tab=214">Canterbury Breastfeeding Advocacy Services</a> (New Zealand) </li><li><a title="Centre Tanzania" href="http://fex.ennonline.net/29/agencyprofile.aspx" mce_href="http://fex.ennonline.net/29/agencyprofile.aspx">Centre for Counselling Nutrition and Health Care</a> (Tanzania)</li><li><a title="CSPI Canada" href="http://www.cspinet.org/canada/" mce_href="http://www.cspinet.org/canada/">Centre for Science in the Public Interest</a> (Canada) </li><li><a title="CASH" href="http://www.actiononsalt.org.uk/" mce_href="http://www.actiononsalt.org.uk/">Consensus Action on Salt and Health </a>(CASH)</li><li><a title="CACPK" href="http://www.cacpk.org/" mce_href="http://www.cacpk.org/">Consumers Korea</a> (Korea)</li><li><span mce_style="color: #000000; " style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size:small;"><a title="Consumers South Sulaweisi" href="http://wwww.wiserearth.org/organization/view/e6270c31d2633d9f1d44b05727f9f44a" mce_href="http://wwww.wiserearth.org/organization/view/e6270c31d2633d9f1d44b05727f9f44a">Consumer Organization of South Sulawesi</a><span mce_="" style=" ;font-size:medium;"> <span mce_="" style=" ;font-size:small;">(Indonesia)</span></span></span></li><li><a title="CI" href="http://www.consumersinternational.org/" mce_href="http://www.consumersinternational.org/">Consumers International</a> (Global)</li><li><a title="CAI" href="http://www.stopcorporateabuse.org/" mce_href="http://www.stopcorporateabuse.org/">Corporate Accountability International </a> (USA)</li><li><a title="CEO" href="http://www.corporateeurope.org/" mce_href="http://www.corporateeurope.org/">Corporate Europe Observatory</a> (Europe)</li><li><a title="Diabetes Norway" href="http://www.diabetes.no/en/" mce_href="http://www.diabetes.no/en/">Diabetes Association Norway</a> </li><li><a title="Earth Dharma Farm" href="http://www.earthdharmafarm.com/" mce_href="http://www.earthdharmafarm.com/">Earth Dharma Farm</a> (USA)</li><li><a title="Ecowast" href="http://www.ecowastecoalition.org/" mce_href="http://www.ecowastecoalition.org ">Ecowaste Management Coalition</a> (Philippines)</li><li><a title="Eurocare" href="http://www.eurocare.org/" mce_href="http://www.eurocare.org/">European Alcohol Policy Alliance</a> – Eurocare (Europe)</li><li><a title="EHN" href="http://www.ehnheart.org/" mce_href="http://www.ehnheart.org/">European Heart Network </a>(Europe)</li><li><a title="CETIM" href="http://www.cetim.ch/en/cetim.php" mce_href="http://www.cetim.ch/en/cetim.php">Europe Third World Centre (CETIM)</a> (Europe)</li><li><a title="Food Ethics Council" href="http://www.foodethicscouncil.org/" mce_href="http://www.foodethicscouncil.org">Food Ethics Council</a> (UK)</li><li><a title="GIFA" href="http://www.gifa.org/" mce_href="http://www.gifa.org/">Geneva Infant Feeding Association</a> (Switzerland)</li><li><a title="GAAP" href="http://www.globalactionagainstpoverty.org/index.php?ID=42350&" mce_href="http://www.globalactionagainstpoverty.org/index.php?ID=42350&">Global Action Against Poverty</a> (GAAP) (Global)</li><li><a title="GAPA" href="http://www.globalgapa.org/" mce_href="http://www.globalgapa.org/">Global Alcohol Policy Alliance</a> (GAPA)</li><li><a title="handicap" href="http://www.handicap-international.ch/" mce_href="http://www.handicap-international.ch">Handicap International Federation</a> (Switzerland)</li><li><a title="HAIN" href="http://www.hain.org/" mce_href="http://www.hain.org ">Health Action Information Network </a> (Global)</li><li><a title="HAI Africa" href="http://www.haiafrica.org/" mce_href="http://www.haiafrica.org/">Health Action International Africa</a></li><li><a title="AHAI AP" href="http://www.haiap.org/" mce_href="http://www.haiap.org/">Health Action International Asia Pacific</a></li><li><a title="HAI global" href="http://www.haiweb.org/01_about_a.htm" mce_href="http://www.haiweb.org/01_about_a.htm">Health Action International Global</a></li><li><a title="HAI Europe" href="http://haieurope.org/" mce_href="http://haieurope.org/">Health Action International Europe</a></li><li><a title="HAI LAC" href="http://www.aislac.org/" mce_href="http://www.aislac.org/">Health Action International Latin America</a></li><li><a title="Health Care without Harm" href="http://www.noharm.org/" mce_href="http://www.noharm.org">Health Care Without Harm</a> (Global)</li><li>Health Consumer Protection (Thailand)</li><li>Health Innovation in Practice (Switzerland) </li><li><a title="Health Poverty Action" href="http://www.healthpovertyaction.org/about-us/" mce_href="http://www.healthpovertyaction.org/about-us/">Health Poverty Action</a> (UK)</li><li><a title="Heart of Mersey" href="http://www.heartofmersey.org.uk/" mce_href="http://www.heartofmersey.org.uk">Heart of Mersey</a> (UK)</li><li><a title="Infact Canada" href="http://www.infactcanada.ca/" mce_href="http://www.infactcanada.ca/ ">INFACT Canada </a></li><li><a title="IAPA" href="http://www.indianalcoholpolicy.org/" mce_href="http://www.indianalcoholpolicy.org/">Indian Alcohol Policy Alliance</a></li><li>Indian Medico-legal & Ethics Association (IMLEA) </li><li><a title="IL luxembourg" href="http://www.liewensufank.lu/english/aboutus/we.htm" mce_href="http://www.liewensufank.lu/english/aboutus/we.htm">Initiativ Liewensufank</a> (Luxembourg)</li><li>Initiative for Health & Equality in Society (India)</li><li><a title="IASO" href="http://www.iaso.org/" mce_href="http://www.iaso.org/">International Association for the Study of Obesity</a> </li><li><a title="IACFO transcipt" href="http://www.cspinet.org/reports/codex/iacfosum.html" mce_href="http://www.cspinet.org/reports/codex/iacfosum.html">International Association of Consumer Food Organisations</a></li><li><a title="IBFAN" href="http://www.ibfan.org/ibfan.html" mce_href="http://www.ibfan.org/ibfan.html">International Baby Food Action Network</a> (Global)</li><li><a title="GIFA" href="http://www.gifa.org/" mce_href="http://www.gifa.org/">International Baby Food Action Network</a> Europe</li><li><a title="CEFEMINA" href="http://www.cefemina.com/" mce_href="http://www.cefemina.com">International Baby Food Action Network Latin America</a></li><li><a title="IBFAN ASia" href="http://www.ibfanasia.org/" mce_href="http://www.ibfanasia.org ">International Baby Food Action Network Asia</a></li><li><a title="IBFAN Arab World" href="http://www.ibfanarabworld.com/" mce_href="http://www.ibfanarabworld.com">International Baby Food Action Network </a>Arab World</li><li><a title="IBFAN" href="http://www.ibfan.org/ibfan-websites.html" mce_href="http://www.ibfan.org/ibfan-websites.html">International Baby Food Action</a> Network Africa</li><li><a title="IBFAN Oceana" href="http://www.ifanz-ibfan.org.nz/" mce_href="http://www.ifanz-ibfan.org.nz">International Baby Food Action Network Oceania</a></li><li><a title="INFACT Canada" href="http://www.infactcanada.ca/" mce_href="http://www.infactcanada.ca">International Baby Food Action North America </a></li><li><a title="ICDC" href="http://www.ibfan.org/our_network-documentation.html" mce_href="http://www.ibfan.org/our_network-documentation.html">International Code Documentation Centre </a>(Malaysia)</li><li><a title="In Blue Cross" href="http://ifbc.info/en-ifbc-home.html" mce_href="http://ifbc.info/en-ifbc-home.html">International Federation of Blue Cross</a></li><li><a title="IIAKenya" href="http://ilakenya.org/" mce_href="http://ilakenya.org/">International Institute of Legislative Affairs </a>(Kenya)</li><li>International Insulin Foundation (UK)</li><li><a title="ISBNPA" href="http://www.isbnpa.org/" mce_href="http://www.isbnpa.org/">International Society for Behavioral Nutrition & Physical Activity</a></li><li><span mce_style=" color: #1f497d; " style=" color: rgb(31, 73, 125); font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;font-size:x-small;"><span mce_style="line-height: normal;" style="line-height: normal; "><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><a title="IUATID" href="http://www.iuatld.org/" mce_href="http://www.iuatld.org/"><span mce_="" style=" ;font-size:small;">International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease</span></a></span></span></span></li><li><a title="IAS" href="http://www.ias.org.uk/aboutus/who_we_are.html" mce_href="http://www.ias.org.uk/aboutus/who_we_are.html">Institute of Alcohol Studies </a>(UK)</li><li>Institute of Nutrition of the Rio de Janeiro State University (Brazil)</li><li><a title="Light" href="http://www.light.org.vn/light/" mce_href="http://www.light.org.vn/light/">Institute for Development and Community Health – LIGHT</a> (Vietnam)</li><li><a title="IOGT" href="http://www.iogt.org/" mce_href="http://www.iogt.org">IOGT International</a> </li><li><a title="IOGT Sweden" href="http://www.iogt.se/" mce_href="http://www.iogt.se">IOGT-NTO</a> (Sweden)</li><li><a title="Kirucodo" href="http://www.krcdevorg.weebly.com/" mce_href="http://www.krcdevorg.weebly.com">Kikandwa Rural Communities Development Organization</a> - KIRUCODO (Uganda)</li><li><a title="LCGB" href="http://www.lcgb.org/" mce_href="http://www.lcgb.org/">Lactation Consultants of Great Britain </a></li><li>Malaysian Breastfeeding Association</li><li><a title="medicus mundi" href="http://www.medicusmundi.org/en" mce_href="http://www.medicusmundi.org/en">Medicus Mundi International Network</a> (Switzerland)</li><li><a title="MIDIRS" href="http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/home" mce_href="http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/home">Midwives Information and Resource Service</a> (MIDIRS) (UK)</li><li><a title="Nada" href="http://www.nadaindia.info/" mce_href="http://www.nadaindia.info/">Nada India Foundation</a></li><li><a title="NCT" href="http://www.nct.org.uk/" mce_href="http://www.nct.org.uk/">National Childbirth Trust</a> (UK)</li><li><a title="NHF" href="http://www.heartforum.org.uk/" mce_href="http://www.heartforum.org.uk/">National Heart Forum</a> (UK)</li><li>National Institute of Alcohol and Drug Policies (Brazil)</li><li><a title="navdanya" href="http://www.navdanya.org/" mce_href="http://www.navdanya.org/">Navdanya Research Foundation for Science Technology & Ecology</a> (India)</li><li><a title="Nepal BFP" href="http://onemillioncampaign.org/omc/resources/media/Untitled-2.pdf" mce_href="http://onemillioncampaign.org/omc/resources/media/Untitled-2.pdf">Nepal Breastfeeding Promotion Forum</a></li><li><a title="NATT" href="http://www.stopcorporateabuse.org/natt" mce_href="http://www.stopcorporateabuse.org/natt">Network for Accountability of Tobacco Transnationals</a></li><li><a title="No excuse Slovenia" href="http://www.noexcuse.si/" mce_href="http://www.noexcuse.si/">No Excuse Slovenia</a> </li><li><a title="No grazi" href="http://www.nograziepagoio.it/" mce_href="http://www.nograziepagoio.it/">No grazie, pago io </a> (Italy)</li><li>Nordic Work Group for International Breastfeeding Issues (NAFIA) </li><li><a title="Norwegian Cancer" href="http://www.uicc.org/advocacy/norwegian-cancer-society" mce_href="http://www.uicc.org/advocacy/norwegian-cancer-society">Norwegian Cancer Society</a></li><li><a title="NHA" href="http://www.nasjonalforeningen.no/" mce_href="http://www.nasjonalforeningen.no">Norwegian Health Association</a> (Nasjonalforeningen for folkehelsen)</li><li><a title="Norwegian Heart and Lung" href="http:// www.lhl.no" mce_href="http:// www.lhl.no">Norwegian Heart and Lung Patient Organisation</a></li><li><a title="ACTIS Norway" href="http://www.actis.no/" mce_href="http://www.actis.no">Norwegian Policy Network on Alcohol and Drugs</a> (ACTIS)</li><li><a title="Oakland" href="http://www.oaklandinstitute.org/" mce_href="http://www.oaklandinstitute.org">Oakland Institute</a> (CA, USA) </li><li>Osservatorio Italiano Sulla Salute Globale (Italy)</li><li>People's Health Movement (Global)</li><li><a title="prevention" href="http://www.preventioninstitute.org/" mce_href="http://www.preventioninstitute.org/">Prevention Institute </a>(USA)</li><li>Royal College of Midwives (UK)</li><li><a mce_style="color: #0062a0; text-decoration: underline;" title="RCGP" href="http://www.rcgp.org.uk/" mce_href="http://www.rcgp.org.uk/" style="color: rgb(0, 98, 160); text-decoration: underline; ">Royal College of General Practitioners</a> (UK)</li><li><a title="RCPCH" href="http://www.rcpch.ac.uk/" mce_href="http://www.rcpch.ac.uk/">Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health </a>(UK)</li><li><a title="RCP" href="http://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/" mce_href="http://www.rcplondon.ac.uk">Royal College of Physicians</a> (UK)</li><li>Research and Advocacy for Health, Education , Environment (Pakistan) </li><li>Save babies Coalition (Philippines)</li><li>Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (Scotland)</li><li>StopDrink Network (Thailand)</li><li>Sustain Children’s Food Campaign (UK)</li><li>Sweet Enough Network (Thailand) </li><li>Swaziland Infant Nutrition Action Network (SINAN)</li><li>Sumy Youth Regional NGO, Gender Agency on Consultation and Information (Ukraine).</li><li>The Breastfeeding Centre (Thailand)</li><li><a title="The Corner House" href="http://www.thecornerhouse.org.uk/" mce_href="http://www.thecornerhouse.org.uk/">The Corner House (UK)</a></li><li>Trade Union of Nutritionists of the State of Sao Paulo (Brazil)</li><li><a title="universities" href="http://essentialmedicine.org/" mce_href="http://essentialmedicine.org/">Universities Allied for Essential Medicine</a> </li><li><a title="VBBB" href="http://www.vbbb.be/" mce_href="http://www.vbbb.be">Vereniging voor Begeleiding en Bevordering van Borstvoeding</a> VBBB (Belgium)</li><li><a title="waronwant" href="http://www.waronwant.org/" mce_href="http://www.waronwant.org">War on Want</a> (UK)</li><li><a title="wemos" href="http://www.wemos.nl/" mce_href="http://www.wemos.nl/">WEMOS</a> (The Netherlands) </li><li>Western Cape Dept. of Health and the School of Public Health, University of Cape Town</li><li>Women Concern Forum of South Sulawesi (Indonesia) </li><li><a title="WEN" href="http://www.wen.org.uk/" mce_href="http://www.wen.org.uk/">Women’s Environmental Network</a> (UK)</li><li><a title="WABA" href="http://www.waba.org.my/" mce_href="http://www.waba.org.my/">World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action </a> (Global)</li><li><a title="WCRF" href="http://www.wcrf.org/about_us/index.php" mce_href="http://www.wcrf.org/about_us/index.php">World Cancer Research Fund International</a> (Global) </li><li><a title="WASH" href="http://www.worldactiononsalt.com/" mce_href="http://www.worldactiononsalt.com">World Action on Salt and Health </a>(Global)</li><li><a title="WACAT" href="http://www.alcoholnet.net/" mce_href="http://www.alcoholnet.net">World Association of Clubs of Alcoholics in Treatment</a> (Italy)</li><li><a title="World Lung Foundation" href="http://www.blogger.com/worldlungfoundation.org" mce_href="worldlungfoundation.org">World Lung Foundation</a></li><li><a title="WPHNA" href="http://www.wphna.org/" mce_href="http://www.wphna.org/">World Public Health Nutrition Association</a> (Global)</li><li><a title="YPChronic" href="http://ypchronic.org/" mce_href="http://ypchronic.org/">Young Professionals Chronic Disease Network</a> (Global)</li></ol></div>Mike Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121310163466468696noreply@blogger.com5