Introduction: - Mother-to-child transmission of HIV is the most significant route ofrnHIV infection in children and by far the largest source of HIV infection in childrenrnbelow the age of 15 yearsrnObjectives: - the aim of this study was to assess current practices and future intentionrnof lactating mothers on VCT and infant feeding in relation to prevention of MTCT ofrnHIV in Harar town.rnMethods: - A community based cross sectional quantitative survey supplemented withrna qualitative method was conducted from January to February 2006 usingrnstandardized questionnaire, among lactating mothers in Harar town selected usingrnprobability proportional to size.rnResults: - Lactating mothers had good knowledge of HIV/AIDS but fair knowledge onrnMTCT and PMTCT of HIV. Intention to undergo VCT had significant association withrnknowledge about PMTCT. Practices of VCT had significant association with age ofrnmothers, parity, frequency of ANC check-up, HIV knowledge, PMTCT knowledge andrnattitude towards PLWHA.rnConclusion: - There is a high intention to undergo VCT whereas only few mothersrnhave undergone the test, indicating a wide gap between intention and practice. Thernmothersâ€™ breast feeding practice in the context of HIV and nutrition is risky asrnsuboptimal breast feeding practices are widespread.rnRecommendation: - Increasing utilization of MTCT, PMTCT, and VCT includingrnoptimal infant feeding requires IEC and BCC. Information, EducationrnCommunication (IEC) and Behavioural Change Communication (BCC) on VCT,rnMTCT, PMTCT and infant feeding shall be strengthened. Establish communication/rnreferral network between health facilities and organizations working on HIV/AIDS,rnvi irnworking towards alleviating the problem that social stigma poses on mothersâ€™rnadoption of safer infant feeding options to prevent MTCT of HIV and full day VCTrnservices shall be made available for mothers seeking delivery services in hospitals tornminimize missed opportunities.