AIDS: A joint statement from the Global Programme for Vaccines and Immunization and the Division of Child Health and Development, and Reproductive Health of the World Health Organization discusses whether breastfeeding is a significant factor in transmitting hepatitis B virus (HBV). In countries with high HBV infection prevalence, transmission to infants commonly occurs from an infected mother around the time of delivery; another mode of transmission is from child to child. While the statement indicates that the risk of HBV infection is negligible from breastfeeding compared to exposure from maternal body fluids at birth, concerns still remain on this issue. Recommendations for prevention of perinatal and horizontal HBV transmission are discussed, including immunization and the use of donated breast milk.