Among mothers of HIV-unexposed infants, a significant increase in exclusive breastfeeding was measured in 2011, 43.6% (41.6%-45.7%) compared to 31.3% (31.3% (29.-33.0%) in 2010, Limpopo, Northern Cape and North West were the only three provinces not reporting significant increases in exclusive breastfeeding. The lowest prevalence of EBF was reported in Eastern Cape and Limpopo. This is especially worrying as these are both rural provinces. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was highest in the KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces. Mixed feeding among HIV–unexposed infants Data showed a reduction in mixed feeding amongst HIV-unexposed infants from 57.4% (55.5-59.2%) in 2010 to 46.2% (44.2-48.3) in 2011. Discussion Infant feeding per caregiver recall for the past 8 days suggests a substantial increase in infant feeding counseling, increase in exclusive breastfeeding and reduction in mixed breastfeeding amongst HIV exposed and unexposed infants. The Tshwane Declaration of Support for Breastfeeding was adopted in August 2011 just as the survey started. Its effects are likely to have been measured over the duration of the survey. This survey also provides data on uptake of the PMTCT programme and infant feeding. Limitations Infant feeding practices were documented from recall over the previous 24 hours and seven days prior to these 24 hours; infant feeding counseling data also relied on recall from the antenatal period; thus information bias was likely. The survey excluded infants who do not come for immunization, those seen in mobile facilities, sick infants seen in hospital and infants who have already died Conclusions Following the adoption of The Tshwane Declaration of Support for Breastfeeding data show that reported infant feeding counseling and infant feeding practices improved between 2010 and 2011. Recommendations More work is needed to provide appropriate infant feeding counseling and improve feeding practices. Also more research needs to be done assessed late infant feeding practices among HIV exposed and unexposed infants.
Among mothers of HIV-unexposed infants, a significant increase in exclusive breastfeeding was measured in 2011, 43.6% (41.6%-45.7%) compared to 31.3% (31.3% (29.-33.0%) in 2010, Limpopo, Northern Cape and North West were the only three provinces not reporting significant increases in exclusive breastfeeding. The lowest prevalence of EBF was reported in Eastern Cape and Limpopo. This is especially worrying as these are both rural provinces. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was highest in the KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces. Mixed feeding among HIV–unexposed infants Data showed a reduction in mixed feeding amongst HIV-unexposed infants from 57.4% (55.5-59.2%) in 2010 to 46.2% (44.2-48.3) in 2011. Discussion Infant feeding per caregiver recall for the past 8 days suggests a substantial increase in infant feeding counseling, increase in exclusive breastfeeding and reduction in mixed breastfeeding amongst HIV exposed and unexposed infants. The Tshwane Declaration of Support for Breastfeeding was adopted in August 2011 just as the survey started. Its effects are likely to have been measured over the duration of the survey. This survey also provides data on uptake of the PMTCT programme and infant feeding. Limitations Infant feeding practices were documented from recall over the previous 24 hours and seven days prior to these 24 hours; infant feeding counseling data also relied on recall from the antenatal period; thus information bias was likely. The survey excluded infants who do not come for immunization, those seen in mobile facilities, sick infants seen in hospital and infants who have already died Conclusions Following the adoption of The Tshwane Declaration of Support for Breastfeeding data show that reported infant feeding counseling and infant feeding practices improved between 2010 and 2011. Recommendations More work is needed to provide appropriate infant feeding counseling and improve feeding practices. Also more research needs to be done assessed late infant feeding practices among HIV exposed and unexposed infants.
Proceedings-2014.docx