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Subject:
From:
Lynn Moony <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Fri, 13 Jun 1997 10:39:42 -2
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"As a general principle, in all populations, irrespective of HIV
infection rates, breastfeeding should continue to be protected,
promoted and supported."  HIV and Infant Feeding: An Interim
Statement July 1996, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS.

In my opinion the *support* of breastfeeding has been
overshadowed by our efforts to protect and promote
breastfeeding.    I would not like to see the same thing happening
with AIDS:  the supportive environment required for HIV+ people being
overshadowed by the legal (protection) and health education
issues (promotion).  All three legs are important.

Because I believe that what happens here in S.A. impacts on other
developing countries, I'd like to share the following.  There isn't
much about AIDS in the South African discussion document of December
1996: "Proposed National Breastfeeding Policy for Health Workers and
Health Facilities".  We did manage to get the following clauses in
and I'd be interested in your comments.
* Included under "Education and support for pregnant and lactating
women":  Health care staff should educate and support all pregnant
and lactating women to ensure that they are counselled regarding
human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted diseases,
as women's presence at the health facility for antenatal and
subsequent care provides an opportunity to share information as to
how they can protect themselves from becoming infected.
(we weren't quite happy with the wording - anyone care to suggest
improvements?).
*  Included under "Breastfeeding during illness":  As the policies,
procedures and regimes for the treatment of certain conditions and
illnesses (eg:...including HIV/AIDS) during the breastfeeding period
are updated continuously as a result of new reliable research
evidence, health workers should keep themselves informed on the
latest recommendations, especially those provided by the World Health
Organisation and by local specialists.  This will facilitate
counselling of the mother, enabling her to make informed decisions
about the most appropriate feeding for her child.  Health service
managers and supervisers have the responsibility to enable health
workers to be kept updated.

Sometimes I get the feeling that we are not being heard here at home
- you're all a "captive audience"!
--------------------------------------------------
Lynn Moony
Johannesburg, South Africa
[log in to unmask]

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