Under NACP, a 24-year-old pregnant woman is diagnosed to be HIV-positive with CD4 count of 480 cells/mm³ and WHO clinical stage 1. What is the recommended PPTCT approach?
- A Zidovudine from 14 weeks plus single-dose nevirapine during labor
- B ART initiated only if CD4 falls below 350 cells/mm³
- C Lifelong ART regardless of CD4 count (Treat All policy) ✓
- D Single-dose nevirapine during labor only
Correct answer: C. Lifelong ART regardless of CD4 count (Treat All policy)
Explanation
NACP adopted the 'Treat All' policy: all HIV-positive pregnant and breastfeeding women receive lifelong ART regardless of CD4 count or clinical stage. This replaced the earlier option B+ approach. The goal is maximal viral suppression to prevent parent-to-child transmission.
Reference: National Technical Guidelines on HIV/AIDS Control, NACP V ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.