Is the fear of mother-to-child transmission of HIV a key determinant of non-exclusive breastfeeding in Nigeria?

Globally, sub-Saharan Africa accounts for the largest burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Of the 39 million people living with HIV worldwide, approximately 25 million live in sub- Saharan Africa. Similarly, out of the 16 million women aged 15 years and older living with HIV worldwide, approximately 80% live in sub- Saharan Africa. Given this, mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV is a significant mode of transmission of the virus among children, and has remained a major public health concern in many sub-Saharan African communities. Mother-to-child transmission of HIV refers to the transmission of HIV from an HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy, labor and delivery or breastfeeding. More than 90% of HIV infection in children under-15 years is attributable to MTCT of HIV in countries (such as South Africa, Nigeria and Uganda) with high HIV burden.