Nutrition and HIV/AIDS: A Training Manual - Linkages Project

HANDOUT 7.2 PMTCT Decision-Making AlgorithmIF a mother knows she is HIV infected, andIF safer feeding options other than exclusive breastfeeding areappropriate,IF breastmilk substitutes are affordable and can be fed safely with cleanwater,IF adequate health care is available and affordable,THEN the infant’s chances of survival are greater if fed with breastmilksubstitutesOR if a mother chooses to breastfeed, she should do so exclusively untilthe infant is about six months old, when she/he is ready to takecomplementary foods.HOWEVER,IF infant mortality is high as a result of infectious diseases, orIF hygiene, sanitation, and access to clean water are poor, orIF safer feeding options other than exclusive breastfeeding areinappropriate,IF the cost of breastmilk substitutes is prohibitively high, orIF access to adequate health care is limited,THEN breastfeeding may be the safest feeding option, even when themother is HIV positive.Adapted from LINKAGES. 2001 Frequently Asked Questions on Breastfeeding and HIV. Washington, DC:Academy for Educational Development.215