Addressing HIV and Infant Feeding in Asia Pacific

Working Group 23 Members /8 Countries Share, provide inputs into regional agenda, documentation, Assessment

Assessment of Status of HIV Infant feeding in AP Initiated a dialogue with IBFAN Focal points/Contacts in 6 countries,5 responded Afghanistan Bangladesh Indonesia Malaysia Nepal

Questionnaire Shared a common framework of questions for rapid country assessment Issues covered in the framework included Policy and Guidelines at national level PMTCT Strategies in vogue Utilization of UN Guidelines National Capacity, Training curriculum Skills of Counselors

Country Assessments on HIV/IF 2005 All 5 countries lack capacity Helps to build team/partnerships, initiates action, Doable, inexpensive,

Key Findings

IF/HIV Colloquium for Asia Pacific: 29 Countries IBFAN AP BPNI UNICEF HIV section of WHO SEARO NACO Widespread interest and action, demands for training materials

Crucial Action in India: Training Program Developed Strong Partnership with NACO/UNICEF 32 trainers 32 trainers

Strengthening Training Module of PPTCT Program Findings shared with key experts, NACO and UNICEF NACO asked BPNI to integrate infant and young child feeding in the module for training of PPTCT counselors Important step to strengthen training of counselors January 2006 hosting 3 in 1 IYCF training course for asia

Documents on HIV IF Position statement on HIV – IF Guidelines for the policy makers Question answer book for counselors

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