There were 4 infant deaths (2.9%); two each from the
formula-feeding and breastfeeding groups. All deaths were
attributed to gastroenteritis related morbidity. Three deaths
were amongst the vertically infected babies and one HIV-negative child from the formula feeding group died of
gastroenteritis between 6 and 9 months of age. All the
HIV-positive infants were started on antiretroviral therapy
as per national protocol. One of the positive infants whose
ART was delayed because of mother’s reluctance to start
(child’s CD4 was 35%), died in hospital before 9 months
(admitted with gastroenteritis; was on treatment for TB).