Last December, the Wall Street Journal argued against UNICEF's position on not accepting free infant formula for distribution in countries heavily affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. UNICEF asserted two main arguments. First, that even in contexts of high burden of HIV/AIDS, exclusive breastfeeding brings higher protection to infants than formula. Second, that infant formula manufacturers have a long history of fraudulent marketing practices that should not be overlooked. The paper, which is grounded in a political economic analysis, both sets the context of such a debate and attempts to analyze international recommendations for the prevention of mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) of HIV. Additionally, it explains how concern about the provision of free formula is as much a fear of manipulation by infant formula manufacturers, as it is a continuation of focusing the debate solely on prevention rather than a combination of treatment and prevention. Finally, propositions are presented to focus the debate on the access to antiretrovirals as the formula to prevent MTCT of HIV.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation participants will be able to: 1. Articulate UNICEF's position on not accepting free infant formula for distribution in countries heavily affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. 2. Analyze international recommendations for the prevention of mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) of HIV. 3.Discuss propositions which focus the debate on the access to antiretrovirals as the formula to prevent MTCT of HIV.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Breast Feeding
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.