Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - April 1, 2007
Bongani Mthethwa
A new study by scientists from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies found there was only a 4% risk of postnatal transmission of HIV to infants who were solely fed on breast milk in the first six months.
Professor Nigel Rollins said most women who got free formula from clinics mixed it with breast milk, hence not emptying the breast of milk. This caused inflammation of breast tissue and a higher risk of HIV transmission. Formula milk, used exclusively, poses no risk. It is preferred in Western countries but not in rural areas with limited access to clean water.
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