New Perspectives on the Breastfeeding Dilemma for HIV-Infected Women in Sub-Saharan Africa

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Periodical article

Title:	New Perspectives on the Breastfeeding Dilemma for HIV-Infected Women in Sub-Saharan Africa
Author:	Coutsoudis, Anna
Year:	2002
Periodical:	Agenda: Empowering Women for Gender Equity
Issue:	51
Pages:	33-42
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Subsaharan Africa
Subjects:	AIDS breastfeeding Cultural Roles Health, Nutrition, and Medicine Women and Their Children
External link:	https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10130950.2002.9674446
Abstract:	In resource-poor regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where women and children bear the burden of HIV infection, public health policy to reduce mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) must not erode the gains that have been made in child survival over the last decade. Free formula milk may appear to be a panacea, but while potentially decreasing the rate of post-natal transmission, it is likely to increase morbidity and mortality from other infectious diseases, thus decreasing overall child survival. This paper presents a summary of new data on the risk of MTCT through breastfeeding and the hazards and benefits of breastfeeding and formula feeding. It argues that policy decisions on whether to promote and support formula feeding or breastfeeding may be influenced by agendas that do not prioritize the interests of mother and child. Bibliogr., notes. [ASC Leiden abstract]