American Academy of Pediatrics reverses long-standing ban on breastfeeding for mothers with HIV

A major American pediatricians'organisationannounced a dramatic policy shift on Monday (May 20), stating that women living with HIV can continue to breastfeed their children as long as they are taking drugs that successfully suppress the virus that causes AIDS.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has reversed recommendations that have been in place since the 1980s when the HIV epidemic first broke out.

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“The medications are so good nowandthe benefits for mom and baby are so important that we are at a point where it is important to engage in shared decision-making,” Lisa Abuogi, lead author of the report said.

Antiretroviral treatment medications do not completely remove the possibility of HIV transmission through breast milk. According to Abuogi, the only surefire method to stop the virus from spreading is to stop breastfeeding.

Furthermore, studies indicate that alternating between breast milk and formula might disturb an infant's digestive system in ways that raise the risk of HIV infection, thus parents must exclusively breastfeed their newborns for the first six months of their lives.

Every year, about 5,000 HIV-positive women give birth in the United States. According to Abuogi, almost everyone uses medications to suppress the virus to extremely low levels; but, if they stop using them, the infection may resurface.

What do other public healthorganisationsin the US say?

The AAP report followed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health recommending that those who consistently repress their viruses should be given choices counseling. They also said that if a parent with HIV wishes to breastfeed, medical professionals should not notify child protective services organizations.

According to studies, breastfeeding gives infants the best nourishment possible and shields them against diseases and ailments including Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Where does WHO stand on this matter?

Since 2010, the World Health Organization has advocated for access to antiretroviral medication and breastfeeding for mothers living with HIV in underdeveloped nations. However, specialists have advised against breastfeeding in developed countries since the danger of HIV transmission could be eliminated by the widespread availability of clean water, formula, and human donor milk.

(With inputs from agencies)