Breast milk and the fight against HIV/AIDs

21 August 2024, 6:09 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

During the media café on Breastfeeding and HIV/AIDS organised by the Health Journalists Network Uganda (HEJNU), Dr. Enid Kabugho from Makerere University Johns Hopkins University (MUJHU) presented the findings of a completed research study on the effectiveness of a combination of antiretroviral drugs, Dolutegravir (DTG) and Raltegravir (RAL), in reducing the HIV viral load in pregnant women.

The study, conducted between January 2018 and February 2019 in Sub-Saharan Africa and Brazil, enrolled 643 pregnant women diagnosed with HIV and demonstrated the safety and efficacy of this treatment regimen, achieving a 98% viral suppression rate among participants.

Meanwhile, Rachael Akuguzibwe highlighted the work of ATTA Community, an organisation that has provided donated breast milk to over 650 babies totaling over 800 litres to support babies born untimely and also to support sick babies to obtain their health . “We give donated and tested breast milk to the babies born to Soon and babies born sick”. First breast milk is so good and the baby obtains all the nutrients” she said. The organisation has also trained 145 medical practitioners to strengthen comprehensive approach to care for babies.

Dr. Doreen Mazakpwe, a lactation specialist, emphasised the importance of empowering mothers to understand the benefits of breastfeeding beyond its nutritional value, highlighting its crucial role in brain development.

These innovative initiatives represent a significant step forward in the fight against HIV/AIDS, offering hope for a future where mother-to-child transmission becomes rare.