These treatment guidelines serve as a framework for selecting the most potent and feasible first-line and second-line ART regimens for the care of HIV-infected infants and children.

These guidelines address the diagnosis of HIV infection and consider ART in different situations. They also address the importance of nutrition in the HIV-infected child and of recognizing the severity of malnutrition, especially in relation to the provision of ART. Adherence to therapy and resistance to ARVs are discussed. A section on ART in adolescents briefly outlines key issues related to treatment and care for this age group.

The guidelines are intended primarily for use by treatment advisory boards, national AIDS program managers and other senior policy-makers who are involved in the planning of national and international HIV care strategies for infants and children in resource-limited countries. Elements of the guidelines such as the simplified dosing guidance (Annex E) are also designed for clinical implementation in the field.