First WHO breastfeeding guidelines

The World Health Organization (WHO) releases its first official guidance on the risk of HIV transmission through breastfeeding. The guidance notes that breastfeeding is almost always the preferred feeding method. Although the risk of HIV transmission via breastfeeding is unknown, it is estimated to be between 20% and 25%. Despite this, if a mother is known to be HIV positive, but no alternative feeding arrangements are available, the WHO advises that she should continue to breastfeed.