Under NACP Phase V, the current 'Test and Treat' policy for newly diagnosed HIV-positive individuals requires initiation of ART:
- A On the same day of diagnosis (same-day ART initiation) regardless of CD4 count ✓
- B Only when CD4 count drops below 350 cells/mm³
- C Within 72 hours of diagnosis regardless of CD4 count
- D After WHO clinical staging is completed and patient is stage 3 or 4
Correct answer: A. On the same day of diagnosis (same-day ART initiation) regardless of CD4 count
Explanation
India's NACP adopted the 'Treat All' policy aligned with WHO 2016 guidelines: ART is initiated on the same day as diagnosis for all HIV-positive patients regardless of CD4 count or clinical stage. This was implemented progressively from 2017 and is now standard practice under NACP Phase V. The earlier CD4 threshold criteria (first 350, then 500 cells/mm³) have been abandoned. Same-day initiation improves linkage to care and reduces loss to follow-up before treatment.
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.