Significant programmatic experience and research evidence regarding HIV
and infant feeding have accumulated since WHO's recommendations on
infant feeding in the context of HIV were last revised in 2006. In
particular, evidence has been reported that antiretroviral (ARV)
interventions to either the HIV-infected mother or HIV-exposed infant
can significantly reduce the risk of postnatal transmission of HIV
through breastfeeding. This evidence has major implications for how
women living with HIV might feed their infants, and how health workers
should counsel these mothers. Together, breastfeeding and ARV
intervention have the potential to significantly improve infants'
chances of surviving while remaining HIV uninfected.