GLOBAL HEALTH: 6 Months Exclusive Breast Feeding for Mothers with HIV Lowers Transmission Rates

Audio Journal of Global Health Issues 6 Months Exclusive Breast Feeding for Mothers with HIV Lowers Transmission Rates REFERENCE: Abstract 13, 14th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, Los Angeles February 25-28, 2007 HOOSEN COOVADIA, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban In the developing world breastfeeding is the recommended infant feeding method, even for women infected with HIV. While early cessation of breastfeeding reduces HIV transmission to the baby, studies have shown that it increases morbidity and mortality in the infants. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life appears to reduce HIV transmission, as opposed to “mixed” breastfeeding with supplementation with formula or solid foods. Dan Keller spoke with Hoosen Coovadia, who delivered a plenary talk on the subject at the14th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Los Angeles.