The National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) currently recommends initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in HIV-positive patients:
- A At diagnosis regardless of CD4 count (Test and Treat) ✓
- B Only when CD4 count falls below 350 cells/mm³
- C Only when CD4 count falls below 200 cells/mm³
- D When the patient develops AIDS-defining illness regardless of CD4 count
Correct answer: A. At diagnosis regardless of CD4 count (Test and Treat)
Explanation
Following the WHO 2015 'treat all' recommendation, India's NACP adopted the 'Test and Treat' strategy — all HIV-positive individuals are offered ART regardless of CD4 count or clinical stage. This prevents disease progression, reduces transmission, and aligns with the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. The earlier threshold-based approach (CD4 < 350 or < 200) has been abandoned.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.