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Challenges in infant and young child nutrition in the context of HIV
Tin Tin Sint1, Ronnie Lovich, Wendy Hammond
1aNutrition Section, Program Division, UNICEF, New York, New York bElizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) cFANTA/ FHI 360 dBaylor International Pediatrics AIDS Initiative (BIPAI) eStrategic Information, Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) fDivision of Global HIV/AIDS, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia gDepartment of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, WHO, Geneva hOffice of HIV/AIDS, USAID iGlobal AIDS Program, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Rockville, MD.
Insights
Exclusive breastfeeding for HIV-positive mothers on antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) is recommended, but implementation faces challenges. More research is needed to address malnutrition and knowledge gaps in pediatric HIV care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric HIV/AIDS
- Maternal and Child Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Consensus exists on optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices for all infants.
- Guidelines for HIV-positive mothers have evolved significantly since 2000.
- Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) have reduced mother-to-child HIV transmission risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore issues and evidence related to IYCF for pediatric HIV prevention and care in resource-limited settings.
- To address challenges in implementing current HIV treatment and infant feeding guidelines.
- To identify knowledge gaps in managing HIV-exposed and HIV-infected children.
Main Methods:
- Review of current evidence and guidelines on infant and young child feeding (IYCF) for HIV-positive mothers.
- Analysis of implementation challenges in resource-limited settings.
- Identification of knowledge gaps in pediatric HIV nutrition and care.
Main Results:
- WHO recommends either avoidance of breastfeeding or exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months with ARVs for HIV-positive mothers.
- Implementation is hindered by inadequate healthcare provider training and weak support systems.
- Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding malnutrition, ARV exposure effects, and nutrition interventions for HIV-infected children.
Conclusions:
- Progress in reducing pediatric HIV infection is noted, but sustained commitment is crucial.
- Addressing implementation challenges and knowledge gaps is vital for eliminating postnatal HIV transmission.
- Meeting the nutritional needs of HIV-exposed and HIV-infected children requires ongoing political, financial, and scientific support.
Abstract:
There is consensus on the benefits for all infants of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and introduction of appropriate complementary foods at 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding. However, guidelines on infant and young child feeding (IYCF) for HIV-positive mothers have changed continually since 2000. This article explores issues and evidence related to IYCF for the prevention and care of paediatric HIV in resource-limited settings in light of new HIV treatment guidelines, implementation challenges and knowledge gaps.In 2010 the impact of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) on reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV moved WHO to urge countries to endorse either avoidance of all breastfeeding or exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months while taking ARVs, depending on which strategy could give their infants the greatest chance of HIV-free survival. Implementation of the 2010 recommendations is challenged by lack of healthcare provider training, weak clinic-community linkages to support mother/infant pairs and lack of national monitoring and reporting on infant feeding indicators.More evidence is needed to inform prevention and treatment of malnutrition among HIV-exposed and HIV-infected children. Knowledge gaps include the effects of prolonged ARV exposure, the cause of HIV-associated growth faltering, the effects of early infant testing on continuation of breastfeeding and specific nutrition interventions needed for HIV-infected children.Significant progress has been made toward keeping mothers alive and reducing paediatric HIV infection, but sustained political, financial and scientific commitment are required to ensure meaningful interventions to eliminate postnatal transmission and meet the nutritional needs of HIV-exposed and HIV-infected children.
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