An international team led by UC Davis researchers has figured out that mothers in sub-Saharan Africa could successfully follow certain steps that were planned out for them (protocol) for flash-heating breast milk to reduce transmission of HIV to their infants. Flash-heating breast milk was highly recommended by the World Health Organization (Who) for HIV-infected mothers during times of increased transmission risk. To flash-heat the milk you have to put the milk into a glass jar and then put the jar into a small pot of water and heat it unitl the water boils. Research from UC Davis and UC Berkeley shows that these steps inactivate HIV in the breast milk but keep the milks nutritional and infection-fighting properties. But they don't know whether or not women in poor countries would be willing and able to successfully use the technique.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/244952.php
This is a great discovery and initiative that could assist millions of mothers and also play a large role in ensuring the health of their child. However as a female coming from Africa, I am skeptical of the willingness the women will have in trying this new method. Superstitions or long held beliefs might hinder their cooperation.
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