HIV and Infant Feeding.

ABSTRACT

Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for healthy growth and development of infants. Breast milk promotes sensory and cognitive development, and protects the infant against infections and chronic diseases. With the onset of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic and the recognition that HIV-infected mother can transmit HIV to their infants through breastfeeding, specific recommendations apply to infants born to HIV-infected mothers. Estimated risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in the absence of intervention during breastfeeding vanes from 5% to 20%. It is a public health responsibility to prevent HIV infection in infants and young children-especially in countries with high rates of HIV infection among pregnant women, and to support optional breastfeeding to prevent mortality and illness due to diarrhea and respiratory infections. Given the need to reduce the risk of HIV transmission to infants while minimizing the risk of other causes of morbidity and mortality, United Nation Agencies guidance states that when replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe, avoidance of all breastfeeding by HIV-infected mothers is recommended. Otherwise, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended during first month of life.