Handbook on pediatrics AIDS in Africa

The impact that AIDS has had on the infant mortality rate in Africa is examined along with the efforts that have been made to prevent infection. It reveals that the rate of infection is as a result of mother to child transmission that is very often neglected or prevented during prenatal care. It explains how paediatric infections can be prevented through early detection and use of modified obstetric methods. Care of children with AIDS is explained highlighting the importance of diagnosis and details of HIV staging in children. It reveals that the clinical conditions observed in children are different from those in adults. It recommends that before treating children using ART a definitive diagnosis should be established along with availability of appropriate formulations, palatability, accuracy of dosing and need to revise doses regularly. The role of nutrition in the effectiveness of ART is emphasised mentioning how HIV exposed and infected children have an increased vulnerability to malnutrition.