Mpox and Breastfeeding in Sub-Saharan Africa: Clinical, Program, and Policy Recommendations

This perspective paper explores the recommendations to maintain a secure breastfeeding in the case of the Mpox epidemic in lactating populations of sub-Saharan Africa. An emphasis is placed on prioritizing breastfeeding by own mother's milk (OMM) through direct latching whenever possible. In case direct breastfeeding by OMM is impossible, clinicians and infant feeding counselors should promote expressed breast milk, pasteurized or not, and wet nursing. In all cases, policy makers and program managers will maintain the promotion of breastfeeding for the sake of infant survival.