Lansinoh, Teva make donations for Haiti earthquake relief

ALEXANDRIA, Va. A supplier of breast-feeding products and a drug maker are participating in providing relief to Haiti following a devestating earthquake that struck the country last week.

Lansinoh donated $10,000 to UNICEF in support of the organization’s disaster relief efforts, while Teva contributed more than $7 million in medicine to benefit earthquake victims in Haiti.

UNICEF was chosen for its support of breast-feeding in emergency situations, Lansinoh said.

“Breast-feeding support is crucial right now for the people of Haiti,” said Gina Ciagne, certified lactation counselor and director, breast-feeding and consumer relations with Lansinoh. “Breast-feeding is a safe, sanitary and reliable food source for the thousands of infants in danger. The devastation in Haiti calls for relief workers to support mothers in breast-feeding their babies, and protect them from disease and risk of malnourishment.”

UNICEF stated the following in a press release about breast-feeding as an emergency response:

• Breast milk is the ideal food for the healthy growth and development of children. It provides valuable protection from infections, which is all the more important in environments lacking adequate water supply and sanitation.
• Feeding such breast-milk substitutes as infant formula during emergencies offers no immune protection against diseases and poses health risks because mothers have to depend on the quality and supply of formula, water and fuel for preparation and cleaning of feeding bottles.
• Mothers also should be aware that they can increase their milk supply and relactate after having stopped breast-feeding.

“Our hearts go out to the tens of thousands of devastated Haitians,” said Gary Downing, CEO of Lansinoh. “We’re encouraging others to donate what they can to UNICEF and the Haiti disaster relief efforts. There is no better time to make a small sacrifice for those who are in need.”

Meanwhile, Teva said it is working with several of its nongovernmental organization partners to ensure these drugs are delivered to Haiti without delay.

"As a company, Teva was devastated to hear about the earthquake, and our hearts and thoughts go out to the country of Haiti," said Shlomo Yanai, Teva's president and CEO. "Working with our partners, we are providing essential medical products to assist in the relief efforts."