Costs for breast milk substitutes (breast milk substitute nutrition)

The German AIDS Foundation provides a flat-rate program grant to non-profit counseling centers throughout Germany to ensure appropriate infant nutrition for HIV-positive mothers. Under this grant, a one-time payment of 350 euros is made for each child to cover the costs of breast milk substitute during the first six months of life. Eligible to apply are counseling centers that submit the application on behalf of anonymized mothers with proven financial need at the level of citizen’s income/social assistance. The funding rate is 100%, so all expenses for the substitute nutrition are covered. A simple application from the counseling center, an anonymous application from the mother, and proof of need form the basis for approval. The funding decision is made in accordance with the foundation’s allocation guidelines, particularly the conditions regarding the subsidiarity of public benefits and the statutory low-threshold access in hardship cases.

Thanks to this ongoing funding opportunity, counseling centers can submit applications at any time regardless of fixed submission deadlines, thereby ensuring continuous supply for infants. The aim of the initiative is to reduce financial barriers and ensure healthy nutrition when breastfeeding is not recommended due to HIV infection or is declined by the mothers for other reasons. The program funding thus makes a crucial contribution to health and child protection by closing the supply gap and strengthening the participation of affected families in social life.