Tender loving care

Entering China in 1993, world leading dairy powder brand Mead Johnson celebrates its 15th anniversary here with a series of social causes.

In addition to annual dairy powder donations to welfare homes for children in cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou and Hangzhou, the United States-headquartered company is also helping other disadvantaged children and mothers in 2008.

To prevent AIDS/HIV transmission between mothers and babies, Mead Johnson donated dairy powder valued at 1.66 million yuan to the Chinese Foundation for STD (sexually transmitted diseases) and AIDS in September.

The breast milk substitute has been sent to poverty- stricken mothers with AIDS/HIV in 17 provinces and autonomous regions, including Henan and Yunnan provinces and Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. The company says that more charity will be offered soon.

To improve education conditions in orphanages, Mead Johnson is working with International Scientific Exchange Foundation of China to support the Spring Rain program, an educational cause engaged in computer classes in orphanages.

In September, the first Mead Spring Rain Computer Class was set up in Jilin Orphanage, the largest one in Asia accommodating over 600 children and located in Northeast China. Thanks to financial aids from the dairy powder manufacturer and IT expertise of the scientific foundation, the classroom is equipped with advanced computers and Internet technologies.

To increase mother-baby health awareness, Mead Johnson has also begun a health care program in middle and western China, inviting pediatrics, genecology and maternity professionals to visit mothers and babies in remote rural areas to deliver lectures to them and provide training for local medical staff.

Depending on financial strength and technological and research power, Meade Johnson also sponsors a nationwide Chinese Children Physical Development Conditions Survey organized by the Ministry of Health, aimed at investigating growth and nutrition conditions of Chinese children in the recent years, finding developing trends and formulating guidance.

(China Daily 12/29/2008 page8)