These revised guidelines on antiretroviral

These revised guidelines on antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for treating pregnant women and preventing HIV infection in infants in resource-limited settings are consistent with, and aim to support the "Call to action towards an HIV-free and AIDS-free generation." The document is one of a trilogy of guidelines published at the same time which provide recommendations developed by WHO and its partners in support of the public health approach to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-constrained settings. It contains recommendations for the use of ARV drugs in pregnant women for their own health and for preventing HIV infection in infants and young children, and a summary of the scientific rationale for the recommendations. In particular, the publication aims to provide guidance to assist national ministries of health in the provision of ART for pregnant women with indications for treatment, and in the selection of ARV prophylaxis regimens to be included in programmes to prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), taking into account the needs and constraints on health systems in various settings.

The guidelines primarily target national-level programme planners and managers responsible for designing services for PMTCT and provision of ART for women. It should also be a useful resource for health care workers involved in efforts to reduce HIV infection in infants and young children and to provide treatment and care for women living with HIV.