The study period for enrolment of patients was December 2006–July 2008. Our follow-up of enrolled patients con-
sisted of a 2 week post delivery visit for mothers and infants.After that study visits were conducted monthly till 6 months
and a final study visit at 9 months. Follow-up of all enrolled patients was completed by May 2009.
Infant feeding history was taken at each visit. Both mothers and infants were assessed for any signs of disease
progression and opportunistic infections, WHO disease staging at each visit and CD4 counts at 6 months. If indi-
cated, mothers and infants were started on ART by the MTCT Plus programme. Mothers were assessed at three
monthly visits for depression using a WHO accredited self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ20) which has been previ-
ously validated in a Zulu population [30].
Mothers and infants received a multivitamin supplement provided by the clinic as per national guidelines. Infants also
received cotrimoxazole for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis from 6 weeks, which was stopped
when the infant was confirmed HIV DNA PCR negative.Mothers received Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis if indicated.
gestation continued to 1 week post delivery (from MTCTPlus programme) in addition to the sd NVP. All babies
received sd NVP within 72 h of delivery.