A Simple Method for HIV-free Breastmilk

Researchers have devised a simple and cost-effective method of preventing breastmilk transmission of HIV from mother-to-child by 'flash-heating' infected milk to inactivate the free-floating HIV virus. A study, published online in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes (21 May), provides hope that breastfeeding in developing nations could become safer.

This is wonderful news for HIV-positive mothers in countries with few resources. This is a simple method that anyone can do with a pan of water, a jar of breastmilk, and a heating device. This is profoundly important because for babies to receive a healthy diet of breastmilk reduces their chances of becoming HIV-positive.