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In Botswana, Step to Cut AIDS Proves a Formula for Disaster
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Health officials in Botswana remained unconvinced. Tlou, the health minister, said the outbreak was a one-time occurrence that should not, by itself, dictate a new policy. Officials instead are focusing on making formula feeding safer by encouraging women to boil water and feed their babies using cups, which are easier to clean than bottles.
She also said the ministry will monitor emerging studies to determine if a change is warranted. "We are amenable to research, especially our own research," she said.
The debate, which has consumed global public health officials for years, has not reached the grieving mothers of Nkange village. None expressed any suspicions about water contamination or about the dangers of feeding formula rather than breast milk to babies.
"It was just an outbreak," Swimbo said.
Mavundu, who is pregnant again, has reached the same conclusion. Her new baby is due in October.
"I think it's a boy," she said, smiling, with her hand on her rounded belly.
Since the loss of Kabelo, Mavundu has also started on a combination of antiretroviral drugs that should control her AIDS symptoms and also make breast-feeding far safer. But no one has told her that.
When rainy season arrives in the first months of her new baby's life, she said, "I know that I will give the Nan."
