Editors' Comments

driven conferences, we conclude there is a very real danger that the contents of meetings organized without the guidance of an independent medical or scientific organisation may be markedly influenced by economic interests. These would include the expectations of sponsors and exhibitors to create an environment favourable to supporting their products and services. Such developments can undermine the credibility and integrity not only scientific congresses, but also of paediatrics as a medical specialty, and of the companies supporting such congresses, both in medical circles and in the general public. Of additional concern, profits gained from commercial paediatric conferences are intended to serve the business interests of the organizing company and will not be invested to any major extent for purposes that are in the general interest. In contrast, profits from meetings organized by non-profit paediatric organisations are used to support research, collaboration, new investigators, guideline development, clinical pathways, quality standards, improvements in training, and continuing education; essentially the promotion of better care of sick babies, children and adolescents. It seems important that national and international paediatric organisations raise the awareness of these independent commercially driven developments and communicate their concerns to their membership. Paediatricians should not be indifferent towards these developments but rather make it a rule to examine the conditions of the organization of meetings, the use of any profits made, and the related ethical issues prior to deciding to register for and participate in a conference. Companies in sensitive business areas related to child health, such as the marketing of drugs, of medical devices, of dietetic products and of infant formula realize that they are confronted with very high expectations regarding their social responsibility and ethical behaviour. Therefore, such companies should critically reconsider whether they wish to support conferences that are organized only for commercial, profit making purposes.