WHO Releases Latest Recommendations for Clinical Management of HIV

Illustration of the HIV emblem (Pexels/Anna Shvets)

JAKARTA - The World Health Organization (WHO) has released the latest recommendations on clinical management of HIV. This provides new guidance and revisions on antiretroviral therapy, vertical HIV management, and tuberculosis (TB) prevention for people living with HIV.

This latest clinical management recommendation supports an evidence-based and cost-effective approach to improve treatment outcomes, reduce HIV-related deaths, and accelerate progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat.

The latest HIV clinical management released by WHO is as follows, quoted from the WHO official website, Thursday, January 8, 2026.

1. Optimizing antiretroviral therapy

The updated recommendation confirms the dolutegravir-based regimen as the preferred choice for initial and subsequent HIV treatment. It also introduces important changes for people whose treatment regimen is no longer effective.

These guidelines also support the reintroduction of tenofovir and abacavir in subsequent regimens based on better outcomes, programmed benefits, and potential cost savings.

2. Strengthening the prevention of vertical transmission of HIV

Despite great progress in eliminating vertical transmission, infant HIV infections continue to occur, especially during breastfeeding. The updated guidelines emphasize a people-centered public health approach that supports mothers' choices and infant well-being.

WHO continues to recommend that mothers with HIV breastfeed exclusively for the first six months to 24 months, in addition to effective maternal antiretroviral therapy. All infants exposed to HIV should also receive post-natal prophylaxis for six weeks.

3. Prioritizing TB prevention in HIV-positive people

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of death among people living with HIV. To improve the absorption and completion of TB preventive therapy, WHO recommends three months of weekly isoniazid plus rifapentine (3HP).

This is a preferred regimen of preventive TB treatment for adults and adolescents living with HIV. The prioritized intervention will facilitate better service integration and aims to reduce TB-related deaths in HIV-positive people, while simplifying service delivery.

Director of the WHO Department of HIV, TB, Viral Hepatitis, and STD, Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, said that these latest clinical management recommendations are WHO's commitment to ensuring that people with HIV can live comfortably with the most effective treatment options.

"By simplifying treatment, increasing adherence and addressing the persistent gaps in prevention, they will help countries strengthen HIV programs and save lives," Tereza concluded.