Ngeno H, Sawe F, Foglia G, Birx D, Robb M; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).

Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. WePeD6377.

US Army Medical Research Unit, Kericho, Kenya

Issues: In sub-saharan africa, the most important route of infant HIV infections is through mother to child transmission. It accounts for over 95% of childhood HIV infections. With no intervention, 30-40% of HIV positive and breastfeeding mothers pass the virus onto their babies, where 60% of the transmission occurs in the first 6 weeks. Prolonged breastfeeding and mixed infant feeding are associated with increased risks. Description: We have enrolled 659 HIV positive mothers in our PMTCT program between December 2002 and December 2003. 269 (41%) of them opted to breastfeed their babies while only 64 (10%) of them opted for replacement feeding. The remaining 326 (49%) had not chosen a feeding option by the time they completed the counseling session. The decisions made by these mothers on their infant feeding practices are, to a large extent, affected by the socio-cultural norms of the kenyan society. There is some stigma associated with replacement feeding. The husband, the mother-in-law, and friends insist on knowing why the child is not being breastfed. Once they learn that it is secondary to her HIV-positive status, they discriminate against her. Since HIV/AIDS is associated with promiscuity, they attribute this behavior to the HIV-infected mothers, causing them to feel embarrased, ashamed, guilty and rejected. Hence, from our experience, the 49% of HIV-infected women who had not chosen a feeding option are likely to mix feed their babies after delivery. Lessons learned: PMTCT programs should involve the entire society through education and mobilization that extends beyond the pregnant woman. This will encourage community acceptance of those who are HIV-positive and will facilitate the prevention of infant infections through breastfeeding. Recommendations: PMTCT awareness campaigns for the entire community should be an integral part of any PMTCT program to help reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with not breastfeeding.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Africa South of the Sahara
• Breast Feeding
• Child
• Counseling
• Educational Status
• Female
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Health Planning Guidelines
• Humans
• Infant
• Infant Food
• Infant Nutrition Physiology
• Kenya
• Mothers
• Virus Diseases
• education
• ethics

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0040076

UI: 102284292

From Meeting Abstracts