Publications - Released in 2002
Breastfeeding transmission is accountable for about one third of mother to child trans mission of HIV in developing countries (Mofenson 1997; Nicoll et al., 2000). In developed countries, women with HIV infection are recommended not to breastfeed their children; however, in developing countries, the risk of postnatal HIV transmission has to be balanced against the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with formula feeding.
While continuing to support the UNICEF Babyfriendly initiative and to promote universal breastfeeding, the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) of Thailand has recommended formula feeding for infants born to mothers with HIV infection since 1993 and has provided free formula to the poorest fraction of the population.