All HIV positive children managed at KID CRU have access to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) either through the research project that they are enrolled onto or, should HAART not be part of a particular study, they are referred to the National Roll Out Program. At KID CRU the criteria for starting HAART, the drug regimen used and the treatment strategy may differ from the National Roll Out because of the different studies being conducted and the different protocols being followed.

The National Roll Out

In SA, between 4 and 5 million people are infected with HIV - the majority of who are expected to die over the next 8 - 10 years. The introduction of a HAART programme is the only effective way to change that mortality pattern. Children being considered for Antiretroviral Therapy will need to meet both medical and psychosocial criteria before starting therapy.

Medical criteria: Recurrent hospitalisations, CD4 percentage <20% in children under 18 months old; CD4 percentage <15% in a child over 18 months old.

Psychosocial criteria: An identifiable adult who is able to administer medication; has attended three or more scheduled visits to a HIV clinic.

All children will commence therapy on the following regime unless contra-indicated.

Doses are calculated according to body surface area and should be recalculated every 3 months.