What if …
Q.73 What if an infant is identified as HIV-exposed during an immunization or other child health visit?
If the mother is breastfeeding an HIV-exposed child and is not receiving any prophylaxis or treatment herself, the child should be immediately started on NVP prophylaxis. This prophylaxis should be continued until the mother’s eligibility for lifelong ARV treatment and the child’s HIV status are confirmed, after which ARV options for both should be reviewed.
If the mother is HIV-infected, she should be evaluated for ART and initiated if appropriate. If she is not eligible, she or her infant should be given prophylactic ARVs according to the national recommendation (Option A or B) during the breastfeeding period.
If the infant is HIV-positive, breastfeeding should continue up to two years or beyond, according to the recommendation for the general population. The infant should also be started immediately on lifelong ART. See WHO guidelines.