Abbreviations and explanation of terms
Abbreviations
| Code | Full title |
| 3TC | lamivudine |
| AFASS | acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe |
| ANC | antenatal care |
| ART | antiretroviral therapy |
| ARV | antiretroviral drugs |
| AZT | zidovudine |
| MCH | maternal and child health |
| MTCT | mother-to-child transmission |
| NVP | nevirapine |
| PMTCT | prevention of mother-to-child transmission |
| Sd-NVP | single-dose nevirapine |
| STI | sexually transmitted infection |
| TB | tuberculosis |
Explanation of terms
Breast-milk substitute
Any food being marketed or otherwise represented as a partial or total replacement for breast milk, whether or not suitable for that purpose.
Exclusive breastfeeding
Means that an infant receives only breast milk from his or her mother or a wet nurse, or expressed breast milk, and no other liquids or solids, not even water, with the exception of oral rehydration solution, drops or syrups consisting of vitamins, mineral supplements or medicines.
HIV-free survival
Refers to young children who are both alive and HIV-uninfected at a given point in time, usually measured at 18 months. This composite measure reflects that the intention of interventions is to both prevent HIV transmission through breastfeeding, while at the same time ensuring that mortality among these children does not increase because of avoidance or modifications of breastfeeding practices.
HIV-exposed
Refers to the infant or young child of a mother who is living with HIV.
Mixed feeding
Means breastfeeding while also receiving water-based drinks, food-based fluid, semi-solid or solid food or non-human milk (also called partial breastfeeding). Mixed feeding only refers to the first six months of life. From six months of age, all infants need additional complementary foods to enable normal growth and development.
Prophylaxis
In the context of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, refers to giving one or more antiretroviral drugs to an HIV-infected mother to prevent HIV transmission during pregnancy, labour and delivery, postpartum and during the breastfeeding period, or to an HIV-exposed infant to prevent transmission during the breastfeeding period.
Replacement feeding
The process of feeding an infant or young child, who is not receiving any breast milk, with a diet that provides all the nutrients needed.
Treatment
In the context of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, refers to antiretroviral drugs given to an HIV-infected mother who meets criteria for life-long therapy, or to an infant or young child who is HIV-infected.