HIV +ve mothers to get free milk powder for child

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CHANDIGARH: Sometimes, mother's milk can make a child suffer life-long agony of

a dreadful virus HIV. To prevent this transmission, the State Aids Control

Society (SACS), Chandigarh, has started providing free milk powder to the

HIV-positive mothers until the child is six months.

It is expected to benefit around 100 such women. Out of the 1,176 registered

positives in the city, 200 are women of reproductive age.

SACS director Dr Vanita Gupta says, " Breastfeeding can transmit the virus to a

child. We advise continuity of whatever milk a child is on. In case, a positive

mother is unable to continue feeding the infant before it turns six months and

makes it drink processed one, it develops infection. "

" The mothers need not bother about how to sustain the life of their young one as

the free supply will continue until the baby turns six months. At the time of

anti-retroviral therapy, we screen out expectant mothers who can avail this

scheme from their nearest integrated counselling and testing centres,? " she adds.

The SACS has roped in a few NGOs to manage finances for the purpose.

It is only after a doctor clinically decides the criteria of which patient can

breastfeed, the milk tin is given, states Dr Archana Mohan of SACS.

HIV can spread from a mother to her infant during pregnancy, delivery and

breastfeeding. When milk powder feed is followed by breastfeed, the lining of

the baby's intestine is destroyed. This makes it susceptible to HIV, warns Dr

Vanita.

Most of the positives are unable to afford this nutrient. The virus disables

them to work and earn livelihood. This small initiative can make some difference

for them.

Recently, three mothers have received the benefit of the scheme, said

Pooja Thakur, president of the People living with HIV/AIDS.

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