The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention supports a new guideline from the World Health Organization regarding human immunodeficiency virus treatment and prevention, according to a press release.
The Early Release HIV Treatment and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis guideline now allows for antiretroviral treatment (ART) in all people living with HIV. Previously, the scope of ART was limited to those with compromised immune systems (CD4 levels lower than 500) and to vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and tuberculosis patients. Early ART has been shown to reduce transmission rate and improve outcomes.
Studies and real-world usage have indicated that preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce HIV risk by as much as 90% in people who take the medication regularly. The WHO guideline now recommends daily oral PrEP as an extra choice for prevention in people at an increased HIV risk.
“While the science is clear, today’s guidelines are a call to policymakers and the public health community worldwide to translate that science into action. The WHO Early Release Guidelines support countries in expanding access to HIV treatment and affirm the promise of PrEP as an important part of a comprehensive response to HIV,” the CDC noted in the press release.
Find the full press release here.