Under NACP IV, which of the following best describes the 'Test and Treat' strategy for HIV?
- A ART should be initiated only when CD4 count falls below 200 cells/µL
- B All HIV-positive individuals should receive ART regardless of CD4 count or clinical stage ✓
- C ART is initiated only in symptomatic patients with WHO Stage 3 or 4 disease
- D ART is deferred for 6 months after diagnosis to assess natural progression
Correct answer: B. All HIV-positive individuals should receive ART regardless of CD4 count or clinical stage
Explanation
India adopted the 'Test and Treat' strategy under NACP IV, aligned with WHO 2015 and updated guidelines — all HIV-positive individuals should start ART regardless of CD4 count or clinical stage to reduce viral load, prevent transmission, and improve outcomes. This replaced earlier threshold-based initiation (CD4 <350 and then <500). The strategy also underpins the 95-95-95 targets (95% diagnosed, 95% on ART, 95% virally suppressed).
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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