9.5  Treating the child with HIV infection

A child classified as having confirmed symptomatic HIV infection, confirmed HIV infection or suspected symptomatic HIV infection, should receive cotrimoxazole prophylaxis treatment. You should also provide a multivitamin supplement, and refer the child for antiretroviral therapy (ART). In the case of a child with suspected symptomatic HIV infection, you should do an HIV test or refer. The child’s feeding should be assessed and you should advise the mother as necessary about the best feeding plan for her child. You should also advise the mother on home care and tell her to return for a follow-up visit in two weeks.