IMPACT OF HIV INFECTION ON INFANT FEEDING PRACTICES AMONG HIVPOSITIVE MOTHERS, AND NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT OF THEIR CHILDREN (0-6 MONTHS) IN AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL ZARIA, NIGERIA

📄 Project Abstract

The Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), states that the optimal feeding pattern for overall child survival is exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and continued breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond, with complementary feeding from age six months, together with related maternal nutrition and support (WHO, 2010). The Global Strategy contains specific recommendations for children in exceptionally difficult circumstances, including those born to HIV-positive women. Action to reduce child morbidity and mortality and to promote family health has greatly improved child health (Walker et al., 2002, Black et al., 2003). Promotion of breast-feeding has contributed significantly in that it provides optimum nutrition, protects against common child-hood infections, reduces mortality significantly, and has childspacing effects (Nicollet al., 2000; WHO Collaborative St...