Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The World Health Organization (WHO) releases updated recommendations on HIV clinical management, introducing new guidance on antiretroviral therapy, prevention of mother-to-child transmission and tuberculosis prevention.
The recommendations are issued on Wednesday in Geneva as part of a departmental update and reflect significant scientific advances since the last consolidated HIV guidelines in 2021.
According to WHO, the revised guidance supports evidence-based and cost-effective approaches designed to improve treatment outcomes, reduce HIV-related deaths and accelerate progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat.
The organisation confirms dolutegravir-based regimens as the preferred option for first-line and subsequent HIV treatment. For patients experiencing treatment failure, WHO now recommends darunavir boosted with ritonavir as the preferred protease inhibitor.
The update also supports the reuse of tenofovir and abacavir in later treatment lines, citing improved outcomes and potential cost savings.
WHO further promotes treatment simplification, including long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy for adults and adolescents who struggle with daily oral medication, alongside oral two-drug regimens for clinically stable patients.
On preventing vertical transmission, WHO reaffirms breastfeeding guidance under a person-centred public health approach, advising mothers with HIV to breastfeed exclusively for six months while receiving effective treatment.
Tuberculosis prevention remains a priority, with WHO recommending a three-month weekly isoniazid and rifapentine regimen as the preferred preventive therapy.
“These updated recommendations reflect WHO’s commitment to ensuring that people living with HIV benefit from the most effective and practical treatment options available,” says Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO’s HIV, TB and STI Department.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
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