Is Nestlé using the HIV/AIDS tragedy as a cover to market its infant formula?
This is not at all the case. First and most importantly, Nestlé fully supports the UNAIDS/WHO/UNICEF Collaborative Policy Statement on HIV and Infant Feeding, which states that HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) can be transmitted by breastfeeding. The Statement refers to studies, which indicate that between 25%- 33% of infants born to HIV-positive mothers are also infected, and more than one third of these babies are infected through breastfeeding. Nestlé supports the Statement’s recommendations that: • Breastfeeding should continue to be protected, promoted and supported, • Women who are aware of their HIV status should be given the best available information on breastfeeding; the risk of HIV transmission through breastfeeding; the risks and advantages of other methods of infant feeding, • Women should be empowered to make informed decisions about infant feeding, and supported in carrying them out. This support should include efforts to promote clean water and sanitation to minimize he
