Prospects of vaccination as a means of preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV-I

Mother-child health research (IRN-MCH): achievements and prospects of an international network

The Inter-Academy Panel (IAP) is critical about the scarce support to mother-child health (MCH) research in developing countries. At the request of the IAP, a group of members of the French and Swedish Academies of Science have arrived at the conclusion that an efficient network between scientists in resource-poor and industrialized countries will facilitate MCH research in developing countries. The priorities for such a network have been listed as follows: The present organization for the MCH website at the Pasteur Institute in Paris should be adapted to better promote collaboration between scientists from industrialized and developing countries. To provide short-term courses for young scientists from developing countries in the design of research protocols, and in the writing of scientific reports and manuscripts. To organize workshops on various topics of relevance for MCH in developing countries in order to create new research networks for scientific collaboration between industrialized and resource-poor countries. To establish collaboration between non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that support MCH research in developing countries. Topics for such collaborative studies and the way in which they may be performed are summarized.

Ethical issues in research on control of the HIV/AIDS epidemic: report from a workshop of the world federation of scientists, Erice, Sicily, Italy, 22-24 August 2003

In research on control of the HIV/AIDS epidemic there are many ethical issues to be considered. The problem of personal autonomy versus the interest of society to prevent the spread of the disease in various settings makes it difficult to follow the regulations of the Declaration of Helsinki in all respects. This is particularly clear in the evaluation of trials aimed at preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The interest of the child does not always conform to the policy of avoiding stigmatization of the mother. Programmes for the implementation of antiretroviral therapy and vaccine trials may differ in countries with different mean incomes of the inhabitants, and are also influenced by local patterns. For this reason, the Declaration of Helsinki should be changed in such a way that it conforms with the ways in which it may be possible to combat such a disastrous epidemic as that caused by HIV.

Human milk, breastfeeding, and transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in the United States. American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Pediatric AIDS

Transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) through breastfeeding has been conclusively demonstrated. The risk of such transmission has been quantified, the timing has been clarified, and certain risk factors for breastfeeding transmission have been identified. In areas where infant formula is accessible, affordable, safe, and sustainable, avoidance of breastfeeding has represented one of the main components of mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission prevention efforts for many years. In areas where affordable and safe alternatives to breastfeeding may not be available, interventions to prevent breastfeeding transmission are being investigated. Complete avoidance of breastfeeding by HIV-1-infected women has been recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and remains the only means by which prevention of breastfeeding transmission of HIV-1 can be absolutely ensured. This technical report summarizes the information available regarding breastfeeding transmission of HIV-1.