“Treat all”: World Health Organization recommends antiretroviral therapy for all people living with HIV

02 October 2015

New World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines recommend that anyone infected with HIV should start antiretroviral treatment as soon as possible following diagnosis, regardless of age or population group. In addition, WHO is now also advising that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) be offered to all people at significant risk of HIV. PrEP should, however, be part of a broader range of prevention measures, including HIV testing, counselling and access to condoms.

Speaking on Dutch radio yesterday about these new guidelines, SHM director Peter Reiss said: “This is a very positive development based on the outcome of several large clinical trials that have provided robust evidence that this is the best approach. Ultimately it remains the patient’s own choice, but doctors should now offer immediate treatment without hesitation”.

To listen to the full interview with Peter Reiss (in Dutch), follow this link.

More information on the new guidelines is available on the WHO website.