HIV and Infant Feeding Practices/Options
HIV and Infant Feeding Practices/Options
 | Significant programmatic experience and research evidence regarding HIV and infant feeding have accumulated since recommendations on infant feeding in the context of HIV were last revised in 2006. In particular, evidence has been reported that antiret- roviral (ARV) interventions to either the HIV-infected mother or HIV-exposed infant can significantly reduce the risk of postnatal transmission of HIV through breastfeeding. This evidence has major implications for how women living with HIV might feed their infants, and how health workers should counsel these mothers. In light of this, the World Health Organization (WHO) commenced a guideline development process, culminat- ing in a Guideline Development Group meeting in Geneva on 22–23 October 2009. The process was carried out as outlined in the WHO handbook for guideline development. Download this publication |
 | WHO recommendations on infant feeding and HIV were last revised in 2006 (pub- lished in 2007 as an HIV and Infant Feeding Update – ISBN 978 92 4 159596 41). Signifi- cant programmatic experience and research evidence regarding HIV and infant feeding have accumulated since then. In particular, evidence has been reported that antiretro- viral (ARV) interventions to either the HIV-infected mother or HIV-exposed infant can significantly reduce the risk of postnatal transmission of HIV through breastfeeding. This has major implications for how women living with HIV might choose to feed their infants, and how health workers should counsel mothers when making these choices. The potential of ARVs to reduce HIV transmission throughout the period of breastfeed- ing also highlights the need for guidance on how child health services should commu- nicate information about ARVs to prevent transmission through breastfeeding, and the implications for feeding of HIV exposed infants through the first two years of life. Download this publication |
| The United Nations-led process of updat- ing the 1998 international guidelines related to infant feeding and the preven- tion of maternal-to-child-transmission (pMTCT) of HIV called for a review of recent programmatic experience in addi- tion to a review of the new scientific and medical evidence. This document represents an attempt to compile and synthesise reports on a wide variety of relevant programmes conducted since the 1998 guidelines were issued. The programmes presented here range in scale from small community research projects to national programmes. This document is the prod- uct of a one-year collaboration between the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Quality Assurance Project (QAP), managed by University Research Co., LLC (URC). Valuable technical inputs were also received from the World Health Orga- nization (WHO) and many individuals and organisations directly involved in HIV and infant feeding programmes. This review brings together in one document a num- ber of important experiences and provides insights that were useful to those involved in updating international guidelines and those involved in adapting them to local settings. It should also serve as a valuable resource to those involved in developing or scaling-up pMTCT-related programmes in the future. Download this publication |
| This research has been a collaborative effort where the Government, a non-governmental organization (NGO) and the UN joined hands, each adding their strengths. The Government represented by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) played a coordinating role on the basis of their technical expertise in infant and young child feeding. The Centre for Community Research and Development (CCRD) was the NGO engaged because of their experience of and expertise in conducting community based research. UNICEF initiated the project and provided overall coordination and funding. Download this publication |
| There are increasing numbers of children infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), espe- cially in the countries most affected by the epidemic. In 2002, an estimated 3.2 million children under 15 years of age were living with HIV/AIDS, a total of 800 000 were newly infected and 610 000 died (UNAIDS/WHO, 2002). Download this publication |
| Adequate nutrition during infancy and early childhood is fundamental to the development of each child’s full human potential. It is well recognized that the period from birth to two years of age is a “critical window” for the promotion of optimal growth, health and behavioral develop- ment. Longitudinal studies have consistently shown that this is the peak age for growth falter- ing, deficiencies of certain micronutrients, and common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea. After a child reaches 2 years of age, it is very difficult to reverse stunting that has occurred earli- er (Martorell et al., 1994). Download this publication |
| The purpose of this HIV and Infant Feeding Framework for Priority Action is to recommend to governments key actions, related to infant and young child feeding, that cover the special circumstances associated with HIV/AIDS. Download this publication |
| The purposes of this document are to provide guidance to health-care managers and supervisors on issues regarding infant and young child feeding in the context of HIV, and to highlight areas of special concern when organizing services. These guidelines begin with a list of key steps to guide health-care managers and supervisors through the process of thinking about and deciding how to organize services. Download this publication |
| Approximately one third of infants born to HIV-infected mothers will contract the virus. Without preventive interventions, transmission of the virus occurs during a mother's pregnancy or during childbirth or breastfeeding. Download this publication |
