Dr Gail's blog out now
Prepare for death BUT Plan to live
Health Minister is pro-Breastfeeding. Even in HIV.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced on Monday that the government would be moving to reduce the provision of free formula milk because South Africa's rate of breastfeeding is extremely low, and yet its infant mortality is rising.
This remains a controversial topic, especially when it comes to breastfeeding in HIV positive women. And yet, over a year ago, the World Health Organisation stated that breastfeeding when the mum or baby is on ARV medication, is safe. Indeed, most people advocating formula milk, omit to mention any risks involved with formula milk. Nor do most clinics or healthcare providers screen patients for eligibility to formula feed using the AFASS criteria set out clearly by the WHO.
In South AFrica's private and public sector it is an exception for a mother to be counselled on both benefits and risks of breastfeeding and formula feeding. A coersive, one-sided approach is accepted and traditional, consisting of advice such as "mummy, if you breastfeed the baby might get HIV, but if you formula feed there is no chance for the baby to get HIV. So, which will you choose?"
So, this latest move to promote breastfeeding will help to reduce the skewed proportion of formula fed babies, improve infant mortality without causing increased HIV transmission. This is indeed, positive news.
For more on this click here. and here.
This remains a controversial topic, especially when it comes to breastfeeding in HIV positive women. And yet, over a year ago, the World Health Organisation stated that breastfeeding when the mum or baby is on ARV medication, is safe. Indeed, most people advocating formula milk, omit to mention any risks involved with formula milk. Nor do most clinics or healthcare providers screen patients for eligibility to formula feed using the AFASS criteria set out clearly by the WHO.
In South AFrica's private and public sector it is an exception for a mother to be counselled on both benefits and risks of breastfeeding and formula feeding. A coersive, one-sided approach is accepted and traditional, consisting of advice such as "mummy, if you breastfeed the baby might get HIV, but if you formula feed there is no chance for the baby to get HIV. So, which will you choose?"
So, this latest move to promote breastfeeding will help to reduce the skewed proportion of formula fed babies, improve infant mortality without causing increased HIV transmission. This is indeed, positive news.
For more on this click here. and here.
optimism
There is now a one-pill-once-a-day combination antiretroviral pill registered for use in South Africa. Ask your doctor whether it would benefit you.
Scientists have identified two antibodies which seem to stop HIV from attaching to and infecting T-cells, accelerating efforts toward a vaccine.
HIV is not a death sentence but a chronic illness that can be managed successfully with high quality care. In first-world countries life expectancy is 43 years after starting antiretroviral treatment. This is what we can and should be achieving in South Africa.
The iPrex (oral Truvada) and CAPRISA 004 (1% tenofovir microbicide gel) trials show the potential for anti-retrovirals to reduce the risk of contracting HIV, by 43.8% in men who have sex with men and 39% in heterosexual women respectively.
awareness
Starting antiretroviral therapy earlier is better than later. Current recommendations are CD4 less than 350 cells/mm3 AND/OR disease stage 3-4.
Mother-to-child transmission of HIV can be prevented with antiretroviral therapy in pregnancy which should be started as early as possible.
Safer conception techniques exist for couples living with HIV. Ask your doctor.
Starting antiretroviral therapy earlier is better than later. Current recommendations are CD4 less than 350 cells/mm3 AND/OR disease stage 3-4.
Mother-to-child transmission of HIV can be prevented with antiretroviral therapy in pregnancy which should be started as early as possible.
Safer conception techniques exist for couples living with HIV. Ask your doctor.
enlightenment
Health and living well is our section with evidence-based tips on pregnancy, nutrition, exercise, smoking, sex and disclosure. There are also personal stories from South Africans living with HIV.
thebody.com is an excellent American website dealing with American issues. South Africans deal with very different issues and different drugs and disease profiles. Therefore, a website with local perspective is essential.
