Haiti - Health : Positive effects of breastfeeding on cholera
The support and promotion of breastfeeding should be part of initiatives to stem the epidemic in Haiti. According to a study by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) infants whose mothers suffer from cholera, are three times less likely of being infected if breastfed, compared to others.
The same study indicates that there is in the milk of mothers infected with cholera immune factors against disease. It follows that breastfeeding strengthens the immune system of infants, while eliminating the risk of drinking contaminated water, either by direct absorption or by mixing water with infant formula, according to experts at PAHO.
Cholera can be especially dangerous for infants and young children. In Haiti, the mortality risk is particularly high for them because many are malnourished and have fewer reserves to fight against dehydration. Given the problems of sanitation and clean water in Haiti, it is crucial to resort to breastfeeding during the current outbreak to save the lives of infants Haitians. An additional argument to the long list of reasons why breastfeeding is the best option.
