LAUSR

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission in children is most commonly due to vertical transmission [1]. Under the Prevention of parent to child transmission (PPTCT) program, all pregnant women are screened for HIV, which enables early diagnosis of HIV-exposed infants as they are at high risk for malnutrition, growth failure, developmental delay and repeated infections with common as well as uncommon organisms [1].Without treatment, about one third of infants living with HIV will die in their first year and 50% by the second year of life [1]. The National HIV program provides access to early diagnosis for HIV testing of infants and children younger than 18 months who are HIV-exposed, and ensures that they receive the required essential package of care as part of the country’s commitment on achieving 90-90-90 target by 2030, which aims at ending the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic [1]. In an attempt to achieve the target, screening of sick infants/ children with unknown HIV exposure is important.