An HIV-exposed child is a child identified for follow-up because of HIV exposure in the context of maternal HIV, including babies monitored through early infant diagnosis pathways up to 18 months of age.[2]
Disease overview
Other Evidence-backed information EN 2/6 applicable sections · ZH 2/6 applicable sections Updated Oct 23, 2026
Child HIV exposure is a perinatal or pediatric exposure event rather than a diagnosis of HIV infection. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission has progressed, but paediatric HIV elimination has not yet been achieved; follow-up systems have been used to track HIV-exposed children through 18 months of age.[1][2]
Read the full clinical and epidemiological profile 3
The relevant exposure mechanism is mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Maternal antiretroviral therapy has been shown to prevent this transmission, although adherence, retention in care, and unequal access remain implementation challenges.[3]
- 1 Van de Perre P et al. Oral Lamivudine for Extended HIV Postnatal Prophylaxis. Paediatr Drugs. 2026 May. PMID: 41774412. doi: 10.1007/s40272-026-00745-6. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41774412/
- 2 Gupta RS et al. Use of technology in follow-up of HIV positive pregnant women and their babies till 18 months of age- an innovation by Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society (MSACS), India. Curr Opin HIV AIDS. 2016 Mar. PMID: 26945142. doi: 10.1097/COH.0000000000000265. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26945142/
- 3 Bailey H et al. HIV treatment in pregnancy. Lancet HIV. 2018 Aug. PMID: 29958853. doi: 10.1016/S2352-3018(18)30059-6. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29958853/
- Z20.6
- QC60.0
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