Formula over facts? Rethinking public health priorities in budget allocations
As budget negotiations unfold across the region, concerns mount over reported facilitation and policy incentives extended to formula milk marketers—raising red flags about how corporate interests can overshadow public health. In light of this, a February 2022 report by Social Track (Karachi), drawing on a major WHO study, remains strikingly relevant today. It offers a sobering reminder of how deeply formula milk marketing penetrates health systems, influences feeding choices, and undermines breastfeeding culture globally. With formula sales surging and breastfeeding stagnating, it’s time to revisit that report and ask: are current budget decisions aligned with the best interests of mothers and children? ------------------------------------- WHO report warns against formula milk marketing strategies KARACHI: A lately released international report by WHO says that over a half of the parents and pregnant women...