Overview
HIV/AIDS is not discriminatory. It could affect anybody, and babies are not spared from this risk. When a child is brought into the world, we wish he best for the child. However, sometimes, reality hits hard. There has been debate on the interventions that should be put in place to prevent post-natal transmission, while also protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding for the majority of children who benefit from it. WABA aims to work together with UN agencies, breastfeeding groups and other interest groups including HIV&AIDS, women, and sexual and reproductive health groups, towards better maternal, child and community survival and well-being. We can help to create a safe environment where each mother can feel confident that her baby will have the best chance possible to survive and thrive.
Pledge to say "Paediatric HIV"!
No other disease is named for the route of transmission. We never hear of mother-to-child-hemophilia, and certainly not aedes-to-homosapien dengue fever! Why should mothers be named as the vector as identified by the term Mother- to-Child-Transmission (MTCT) of HIV. Click here (email) to support mothers now!
HIV-Positive: OK to Breast-feed?
The scientific community accepted that there is reduced risk of breastfeeding compared to formula feeding for HIV positive mothers in Africa & Asia. Podcast interviewing South African pediatrician Hoosen Covadia, on the acceptance by the scientific community. More...
Red Ribbon and the Golden Bow
The Red Ribbon means the global response and solidarity with people living with HIV. The Golden bow means breastfeeding is the gold standard for infant feeding. Together it means responsiveness and support for women, mothers, girls and babies for survival, food security, better reproductive health, gender equity and community support. Wear the Red Ribbon and the Golden Bow now! To get one, click here
Flash-heated breastmilk can be utilized for "replacement feeding"
"Data suggest that Flash-heat, a simple home pasteurization method, is often an acceptable infant feeding option for HIV positive mothers in developing countries where access to safe infant formula is not a realistic choice. This method has been shown to inactivate HIV, whether cell-free or cell bound, while maintaining the antimicrobial, immunological and nutritional properties unique to breast milk.
Flash-heated breastmilk can be utilized for "replacement feeding". It is free from active HIV, safe, nutritious, affordable, available, and protective, and could be particularly valuable during times of high risk, such as during episodes of mastitis or infant oral thrush. Flash heating should be utilized during the process of stopping breastfeeding when risk of transmission appears to be greatly increased.
Preliminary data from an ongoing feasibility study in Tanzania suggest that roughly one third of mothers who are told about Flash-heat as an option at six months attempt it and are able to correctly perform the method for a median of 4 weeks. In South Africa one mother successfully Flash-heated her breast milk for 12 months, from the time the infant was six to eighteen months, and the infant subsequently tested negative for HIV.
The major obstacle to this method seems to be stigma and the lack of disclosure. It does however hold promise as a safe and affordable option for many HIV positive mothers in developing countries."
Flash-heat Inactivation of HIV-1 in Breast Milk (PDF)
Research on flash-heating of expressed breastmilk using ordinary household implements© Kiersten Israel Ballard
|
Updates
|
