The recent report highlights the aggressive marketing tactics used by the baby formula industry. These tactics often mislead parents about the benefits of breastfeeding.
Research indicates that breastfeeding can prevent around 800,000 deaths in children under five each year. Yet, many health workers promote formula instead. In some countries, a large percentage of women receive advice to use formula from these professionals.
The industry also targets health professionals with incentives, such as gifts and commissions, which may compromise their recommendations to new mothers. This raises serious concerns regarding child health and the need for stronger support for breastfeeding initiatives.
Difficult words
- tactic — A planned action to achieve a goal.tactics
- mislead — To give the wrong idea or impression.
- prevent — To stop something from happening.
- compromise — To weaken or damage something important.
- concern — A feeling of worry about something.concerns
- initiative — A new plan to improve something.initiatives
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What are your thoughts on marketing in the baby formula industry?
- How can parents make informed choices about feeding their babies?
- Why is supporting breastfeeding initiatives important?
- In what ways can health professionals improve their advice to new mothers?
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