Vitamin A supplementation during pregnancy for reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV

Overview

This guideline provides global, evidence-informed recommendations on the use of vitamin A supplements for reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in populations where vitamin A deficiency may be a public health concern.

The guideline will help Member States and their partners in their efforts to make informed decisions on the appropriate nutrition actions to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, in particular, reduction in child mortality (MDG 4), improvement in maternal health (MDG 5) and combating HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), malaria and other diseases (MDG 6). The guideline is intended for a wide audience including policy-makers, their expert advisers, and technical and programme staff in organizations involved in the design, implementation and scaling-up of nutrition actions for public health.