Nutrition and HIV-Aids

HIV Transmission through Breastfeeding A Review of Available Evidence

This publication is one of a series on HIV and infant feeding. It presents the scientific evidence relating to the transmission of HIV infection by breastfeeding; this evidence constitutes the basis of the guidelines for decision-makers and health-care managers, issued as separate documents in the series (WHO/UNICEF/UNFPA/UNAIDS)). It describes briefly the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants in general. Transmission by breastfeeding is discussed in the light of overall mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 infection. It includes a discussion on:

• Mother-to-child transmission
• HIV transmission through breastfeeding
• Preventing transmission through breastfeeding
• Current or planned research
• Conclusion

This publication can be accessed here