Abstract
Breastfeeding is a route of HIV transmission from an HIV-infected mother
to her infant. However, breastfeeding is an important pillar of child survival and the
ideal way of feeding an infant as well as providing a unique biological and emotional
basis for child development. This article highlights the dilemma created by the risks
and benefits of breastfeeding and will discuss factors which increase the risk of HIV
transmission during breastfeeding as well as strategies which could be employed to
reduce these risks. Many questions still remain unanswered. Until further research
results are available, women should be encouraged to follow the UNAIDS guidelines
bwhen replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and
safe, avoidance of all breastfeeding by HIV-infected mothers is recommended,
otherwise, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is recommended during the first months of
lifeQ.