WHO Releases New HIV Clinical Guidelines to Strengthen Global Care

The World Health Organization today released WHO HIV clinical guidelines that set a new direction for HIV treatment, prevention, and tuberculosis care, reflecting major scientific progress since the last update in 2021.

The recommendations are aimed at enhancing results, reducing deaths due to HIV, and accelerating the process of eliminating AIDS as a global menace to health.

The essence of the update is well entrenched on the emphasis on optimal antiretroviral therapy. WHO reiterates that dolutegravir-based regimens are the treatment of choice both during the initial and subsequent treatment. Darunavir/ritonavir is currently suggested as the first choice protease inhibitor in place of previously used atazanavir/ritonavir and lopinavir/ritonavir.

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Treatment simplification is also seen to play an increasing role in the WHO HIV clinical guidelines. Antiretroviral therapy Long-acting injectable therapy has been advised to be used in adults and adolescents who have difficulties with daily pills, whereas oral two-drug therapy has been proposed to clinically stable patients.

Mother-to-child infection is still an issue particularly during breastfeeding. WHO still advocates first 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding followed by breastfeeding till at least 12 months of age with effective maternal treatment. The infants who are HIV-exposed must be administered six weeks of postnatal prophylaxis, and improved options are provided to the high-risk cases.

The new preference regarding tuberculosis preventive therapy is three-month weekly courses with isoniazid plus rifapentine which is one of the major causes of death among people with HIV.

“These updated recommendations reflect WHO’s commitment to ensuring that people living with HIV benefit from the most effective, safe and practical treatment options available,” said Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, Director, Department of HIV, TB, Viral Hepatitis and STIs at WHO Headquarters in Geneva.