Annals and Essences of Dentistry
Open Access

Abstract

INFANT BREASTFEEDING AND HIV: A REVIEW ARTICLE

Nandini DB, Deepak BS

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and infant feeding is a complex issue, and there are still significant knowledge gaps, including whether antiretroviral prophylaxis for an infant during breastfeeding, or antiretroviral treatment for breastfeeding mother, are safe and effective in reducing HIV transmission. Breastfeeding is the best way to feed an infant. A woman infected with HIV, however, can transmit the virus to her child during pregnancy, labour, delivery or through breast feeding. Children those born to HIV positive women carry high risk of HIV infection. The HIV and Infant Feeding Framework for Priority Action was developed and endorsed by nine UN agencies. The purpose is to recommend governments key priority actions, related to infant and young child feeding, that cover the special circumstances, appropriate feeding practices for all infants, while scaling up interventions to reduce HIV transmission. This review highlights the recent guidelines used in managing infants with HIV.

Published Date: 2010-06-30;