Management of Children of HIV-infected Mothers

Includes:

• Antiretroviral therapy for treatment of established HIV infection

• Prevention of perinatal transmission of HIV

• Prevention (prophylaxis) and treatment of opportunistic infections (OIs)

• Counseling and testing

• Psycho-social and nutritional support

Specifically, explain that mixed feeding results in more HIV transmission than exclusive breastfeeding

Specifically, the need to balance the risk of HIV to infants through breastfeeding with the need for minimising the risk of other causes of morbidity and mortality through not breastfeeding

The risks and benefits should be based on locally feasible and acceptable feeding practices

Breastfeeding is a preferred option:

• Exclusive breastfeeding for 12 months

• Introducing complementary food thereafter

• Continuing breastfeeding for 12 months

• Weaning gradually within 1 month

Formula feeding without any breastfeeding can be chosen only if all the following conditions are met:

• Safe water and sanitation are assured at the household level and in the community

• The mother or caregiver can reliably provide sufficient formula milk to support normal growth and development of the infant

• The mother or caregiver can prepare it cleanly and frequently enough so that it is safe and carries a low risk of diarrhea and malnutrition

• The mother or caregiver can exclusively give infant formula milk in the first six months

• The family is supportive of this practice

• The mother or caregiver can access health care that offers comprehensive child health services