Assessing HIV Infection and Breastfeeding: Intervention for Maternal and Infant Health

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Topics:
HIV/AIDS & STD Prevention

Researchers are studying how to reduce the death rate among mothers infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Lilongwe, Malawi, and to lower the rate of HIV transmission to infants during breastfeeding. (Babies born with HIV and their mothers will not be included in study, but offered HIV treatment under the Malawi Government Antiretroviral [ARV] Program.) The study includes giving antiretroviral medication to HIV-positive mothers to prevent transmission of HIV to the babies during breastfeeding. The babies are regularly monitored and those that subsequently develop HIV infection are treated with antiretroviral therapy. Some HIV-infected mothers who are breastfeeding will receive a high-calorie, nutritional supplement to see if it helps prevent maternal weight loss. Mothers will also be counseled about breastfeeding and breast care. The study includes weaning breast-fed infants 6-months after birth to nutritional and culturally acceptable foods. The project will identify maternal and infant factors associated with HIV transmission during breastfeeding and evaluate the feasibility of delivering antiretroviral and nutritional interventions in resource-poor settings.

 

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