Studies indicate that antiretroviral drugs, caesarean section, and formula feeding reduce the chances of HIV transmission from mother to child (mother-to-child transmission, MTCT). If replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable , and safe, HIV-infected mothers are advised not to breastfeed their children.
However, if these things can not be met, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended during the first months and then stopped as soon as possible. In 2005, approximately 700,000 children under 15 years of contracting HIV, mainly through maternal transmission to children; 630 000 infections of which occur in Africa. Of all the children who allegedly are now living with HIV, 2 million children (nearly 90%) live in Sub-Saharan Africa.
