HIV Exposed: Possible HIV Infection (Infant) 0 - 2 months
Link to Care / Initiate Prophylaxis / Schedule Testing
High match
Cha kumwambia mlezi
- Explain 'HIV Exposed' status and need for testing.
- Explain importance of daily Co-trimoxazole starting at 6 weeks.
- Explain importance of daily infant ARV prophylaxis.
- Provide detailed counselling on safe infant feeding (exclusive breastfeeding preferred if mother on ART, or safe replacement feeding).
- Explain EID testing schedule.
- Counsel on mother's own health and ART adherence.
- Advise on assessing for TB.
- Advise on signs of illness requiring immediate care.
Classification for a young infant (<2 months) born to an HIV-positive mother, whose own HIV status is not yet confirmed negative by virological testing after cessation of exposure. Requires co-trimoxazole prophylaxis from 6 weeks, ARV prophylaxis, timely EID testing, and specific feeding counselling.
Key Features
- Infant born to HIV-positive mother.
- Infant's HIV status not confirmed negative post-exposure.
- Requires Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis from 6 weeks.
- Requires infant ARV prophylaxis as per national PMTCT guidelines.
- Requires timely EID testing (DNA PCR) at 6 weeks and after breastfeeding cessation.
- Requires specific counselling on safe infant feeding.
Red Flags (Warning Signs)
- Any signs of PSBI/Very Severe Disease.
- Signs suggestive of HIV infection (thrush, poor growth etc.).
- Mother not on ART or infant not receiving ARV prophylaxis (high transmission risk).
Tathmini
Uliza
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Has the mother had an HIV test? (Mother is HIV-positive).
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Has the infant had an HIV virological test (DNA PCR)? (If yes, was it negative? When was it done relative to breastfeeding?)
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Is the infant breastfeeding?
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Is mother on ART and infant on ARV prophylaxis?
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Determine infant's status based on mother's status and infant testing:
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Case 1: Mother HIV+ AND infant not yet tested.
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Case 2: Mother HIV+ AND infant had negative DNA PCR but exposure (breastfeeding) is ongoing or stopped < 6 weeks ago.
Classification
- (Mother HIV positive AND negative virological test in infant who is breastfeeding or stopped less than 6 weeks ago) OR (Mother HIV positive, young infant not yet tested) -> HIV EXPOSED: POSSIBLE HIV INFECTION
Urgency / Refer urgently
Link to Care / Initiate Prophylaxis / Schedule Testing
Usimamizi
Non-Pharmacological Management
- Link infant to Mother-Baby care point / PMTCT services for follow-up, ARV prophylaxis, and EID testing.
- Assess feeding and provide counselling on safe infant feeding options (Exclusive breastfeeding recommended for first 6 months if mother adherent to ART and infant receiving prophylaxis; discuss replacement feeding risks/benefits - follow national guidelines).
- Assess for TB.
- Monitor growth.
Pharmacological Treatment
- Start Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis from 6 weeks of age. Dose: 2.5ml syrup (or 1 infant tab) daily. Continue until HIV excluded after breastfeeding cessation.
- Ensure infant receives appropriate ARV prophylaxis (e.g., Nevirapine or Zidovudine) daily from birth for duration recommended by national guidelines (e.g., 6 weeks or duration of breastfeeding).
- Perform DNA PCR test at 6 weeks of age. If positive -> Confirmed HIV Infection. If negative, continue prophylaxis and re-test after breastfeeding cessation.
- Treat any current illness according to IMCI guidelines.
- Ensure immunizations are up-to-date (give BCG at birth unless symptomatic).
Monitoring & Follow-Up
- Regular follow-up at Mother-Baby care point for EID testing, ARV prophylaxis, co-trimoxazole, feeding support, growth monitoring.
- Definitive testing after breastfeeding cessation.
Counselling Points
- Explain 'HIV Exposed' status and need for testing.
- Explain importance of daily Co-trimoxazole starting at 6 weeks.
- Explain importance of daily infant ARV prophylaxis.
- Provide detailed counselling on safe infant feeding (exclusive breastfeeding preferred if mother on ART, or safe replacement feeding).
- Explain EID testing schedule.
- Counsel on mother's own health and ART adherence.
- Advise on assessing for TB.
- Advise on signs of illness requiring immediate care.
Differential Diagnosis
- Confirmed HIV Infection
- HIV Infection Unlikely
Potential Complications
- Risk of HIV transmission.
- Increased risk of common illnesses.
Prevention
- Effective PMTCT.
- Infant ARV prophylaxis.
- Safe infant feeding.
- Co-trimoxazole.
Reference: IMCI Chart Booklet - Page 36 (Classification), Page 37 (Management Principles), Page 14 (Co-trimoxazole reference)
Confirmed HIV Infection (Infant) 0 - 2 months
Link Urgently to ART Clinic / Initiate Prophylaxis
High match
Cha kumwambia mlezi
- Explain the positive HIV result clearly and sensitively.
- Explain the critical importance of starting ART immediately for the baby's health.
- Explain the need for daily Co-trimoxazole.
- Provide detailed counselling on safe and appropriate infant feeding according to national guidelines for HIV-positive infants.
- Emphasize importance of adherence to both ART and co-trimoxazole.
- Counsel on preventing opportunistic infections.
- Address mother's health and ART adherence.
- Assess for TB and counsel on monitoring.
- Link family with support services.
Classification for a young infant (<2 months) with a confirmed positive HIV virological test (DNA PCR). Requires immediate linkage to HIV care, initiation of ART, and co-trimoxazole prophylaxis.
Key Features
- Positive DNA PCR test confirms HIV infection in an infant.
- Requires urgent initiation of lifelong ART.
- Requires co-trimoxazole prophylaxis starting at 6 weeks.
Red Flags (Warning Signs)
- Any signs of PSBI/Very Severe Disease.
- Signs suggestive of opportunistic infection (severe thrush, pneumonia, diarrhoea).
- Failure to thrive.
- Rapid disease progression.
Tathmini
Uliza
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Has the mother or child had an HIV test?
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Confirm infant has had a positive HIV virological test (DNA PCR).
Classification
- Infant has positive virological test (DNA PCR) -> CONFIRMED HIV INFECTION
Urgency / Refer urgently
Link Urgently to ART Clinic / Initiate Prophylaxis
Usimamizi
Non-Pharmacological Management
- Link infant URGENTLY to HIV Care/ART clinic for initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy.
- Assess feeding and provide appropriate counselling (balancing benefits of breastfeeding with transmission risk, supporting safe replacement feeding if chosen/appropriate - follow national guidelines).
- Assess for TB.
- Provide psychosocial support to mother/family.
Pharmacological Treatment
- Start Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis from 6 weeks of age (or immediately if diagnosed after 6 weeks). Dose: Age 6 weeks - 6 months: 2.5ml syrup (or 1 infant tab) daily. Continue lifelong.
- Initiate ART as per national guidelines under specialist care.
- Treat any current illness according to IMCI guidelines (be aware of increased severity risk).
- Ensure immunizations are up-to-date (BCG usually given at birth unless symptomatic infant; other EPI vaccines as per schedule for HIV+ infants).
Monitoring & Follow-Up
- Requires lifelong, regular follow-up at ART clinic for monitoring (clinical, growth, CD4, viral load), adherence support, management of complications.
Counselling Points
- Explain the positive HIV result clearly and sensitively.
- Explain the critical importance of starting ART immediately for the baby's health.
- Explain the need for daily Co-trimoxazole.
- Provide detailed counselling on safe and appropriate infant feeding according to national guidelines for HIV-positive infants.
- Emphasize importance of adherence to both ART and co-trimoxazole.
- Counsel on preventing opportunistic infections.
- Address mother's health and ART adherence.
- Assess for TB and counsel on monitoring.
- Link family with support services.
Differential Diagnosis
Potential Complications
- Rapid disease progression
- Severe opportunistic infections (PCP, TB etc.)
- Failure to thrive / Severe malnutrition
- Neurodevelopmental delay
- Early death
Prevention
- Effective PMTCT interventions.
- This classification represents a failure of prevention, focus shifts to treatment.
Reference: IMCI Chart Booklet - Page 36 (Classification), Page 37 (Management Principles), Page 14 (Co-trimoxazole reference)
HIV Infection Unlikely (Infant) 0 - 2 months
Routine Care
High match
Cha kumwambia mlezi
- Reassure mother about negative HIV status.
- Provide counselling for any presenting illness.
- Provide general infant care and feeding advice.
Classification for a young infant (<2 months) whose mother has tested HIV negative. Requires routine infant care.
Key Features
- Confirmed negative HIV status of the mother.
- Indicates infant is not exposed to HIV.
- Requires standard IMCI management.
Tathmini
Uliza
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Has the mother had an HIV test?
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Confirm mother tested HIV-negative.
Classification
- Negative HIV test for mother -> HIV UNLIKELY
Urgency / Refer urgently
Routine Care
Usimamizi
Non-Pharmacological Management
- Provide routine assessment and management for any presenting illness.
- Provide age-appropriate feeding counselling (exclusive breastfeeding).
Pharmacological Treatment
- Treat any current illness according to IMCI guidelines.
- Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis and ARV prophylaxis are NOT indicated.
Monitoring & Follow-Up
- Follow up for presenting illness as needed.
- Continue routine child health services.
Counselling Points
- Reassure mother about negative HIV status.
- Provide counselling for any presenting illness.
- Provide general infant care and feeding advice.
Prevention
- Mother remaining HIV negative.
Reference: IMCI Chart Booklet - Page 36 (Classification), Page 37 (Management)
HIV Infection Status Unknown (Infant) 0 - 2 months
Encourage Urgent HIV Testing for Mother
High match
Cha kumwambia mlezi
- Explain the importance of knowing mother's HIV status for the baby's health.
- Offer/facilitate immediate HIV testing and counselling for the mother.
- Explain confidentiality.
Classification for a young infant (<2 months) whose mother's HIV status is unknown and the infant has not been tested. Requires counselling and urgent offering of HIV testing for the mother.
Key Features
- HIV status of mother (and therefore infant exposure) is unknown.
- Requires urgent HIV testing and counselling (HTC) for the mother to guide infant management.
Red Flags (Warning Signs)
- Infant showing signs suggestive of HIV infection increases urgency for maternal testing.
Tathmini
Uliza
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Has the mother had an HIV test? (Answer is No, or status unknown).
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Confirm infant has not had HIV testing.
Classification
- HIV test not done for mother or infant -> HIV INFECTION STATUS UNKNOWN
Urgency / Refer urgently
Encourage Urgent HIV Testing for Mother
Usimamizi
Non-Pharmacological Management
- Strongly encourage mother to go for HIV counselling and testing immediately.
- Provide general infant care advice.
Pharmacological Treatment
- Treat any current illness according to IMCI guidelines.
- Do NOT start Co-trimoxazole or infant ARV prophylaxis until mother's status is known.
Monitoring & Follow-Up
- Depends on mother accepting testing.
- If mother tests positive -> Manage infant as HIV Exposed.
- If mother tests negative -> Manage infant as HIV Infection Unlikely.
- Follow up for presenting illness.
Counselling Points
- Explain the importance of knowing mother's HIV status for the baby's health.
- Offer/facilitate immediate HIV testing and counselling for the mother.
- Explain confidentiality.
Potential Complications
- Delayed diagnosis of maternal/infant HIV.
- Missed opportunity for PMTCT.
- Delayed infant prophylaxis if exposed.
Prevention
- Routine offering of HTC in all maternal and child health settings.
Reference: IMCI Chart Booklet - Page 36 (Classification), Page 37 (Management)
Severe Dehydration (Young Infant) 0 - 2 months
Immediate Treatment (Plan C) / Refer URGENTLY
High match
Cha kumwambia mlezi
- Explain the seriousness of dehydration in a young baby and the need for urgent hospital treatment.
- Show how to give ORS sips frequently during transport if applicable.
- Advise on keeping infant warm.
- Advise mother to continue breastfeeding whenever infant wants.
Classification for a young infant with diarrhoea exhibiting two or more signs of severe dehydration. This is a critical condition requiring immediate fluid resuscitation (Plan C, modified for infants) and urgent referral.
Key Features
- Requires TWO or more of the following signs: Lethargic/unconscious OR Movement only when stimulated/no movement OR Sunken eyes OR Skin pinch goes back very slowly (>2 seconds).
- Indicates severe fluid and electrolyte loss, which is particularly dangerous in young infants.
- Requires immediate fluid resuscitation, preferably IV or NG if trained (Plan C), and urgent referral.
Red Flags (Warning Signs)
- Lethargy / Unconsciousness / No movement
- Skin pinch > 2 seconds
- Signs of shock (cold periphery, poor capillary refill, weak pulse)
- Inability to feed/take fluids
- Associated signs of PSBI/Very Severe Disease
Tathmini
Uliza
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Does the young infant have diarrhoea? (Note: Stools are normally frequent/semisolid in breastfed babies. Diarrhoea is a change to many watery stools).
Tazama, sikiliza, hisi
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Look at the infant's general condition/movements. Is the infant lethargic or unconscious? Moves only when stimulated or no movement at all?
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Look for sunken eyes.
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Pinch the skin of the abdomen. Does it go back Very slowly (longer than 2 seconds)?
Classification
- Two or more of the following signs: (Movement only when stimulated or no movement at all / Lethargic or unconscious) OR (Sunken eyes) OR (Skin pinch goes back very slowly) -> SEVERE DEHYDRATION
Urgency / Refer urgently
Immediate Treatment (Plan C) / Refer URGENTLY
Tiba kabla ya rufaa
- If referring urgently: Ensure airway is clear. Give frequent sips of ORS on the way if infant can drink. Keep infant warm (Page 40). Give other essential pre-referral treatments based on other classifications (e.g., antibiotic for PSBI - Page 40).
Usimamizi
Non-Pharmacological Management
- If providing Plan C in clinic: Ensure immediate access to IV/NG equipment and ORS. Monitor closely.
- If referring: Keep infant warm. Continue ORS sips frequently if possible.
Pharmacological Treatment
- TREAT WITH PLAN C (Young Infant Version - Page 41):
- If IV Therapy Possible Immediately: Start IV fluid. Give 100 ml/kg Ringer's Lactate Solution (or Normal Saline). Give 30ml/kg in 1 hour, THEN 70ml/kg in 5 hours.
- Reassess frequently (every hour initially). If hydration not improving, give IV drip faster.
- Also give ORS (about 5 ml/kg/hour) by mouth/NG tube as soon as infant can take it.
- Reassess dehydration status after 6 hours and choose appropriate plan (A, B, repeat C).
- If IV Therapy Not Available/Possible:
- If trained in NG tube insertion: Start rehydration by NG tube with ORS solution: give 20 ml/kg/hour for 6 hours (total 120 ml/kg). Reassess every 1-2 hours. If vomiting/distension, slow rate. If not improving after 3 hrs, refer urgently for IV.
- If NG tube not possible AND infant can drink: Refer URGENTLY. Give mother ORS and show how to give frequent sips during the trip.
- If infant also has another severe classification (e.g., PSBI): Refer URGENTLY after stabilizing airway/breathing and giving essential pre-referral treatments (e.g., antibiotic). Give frequent sips of ORS on the way if possible.
Monitoring & Follow-Up
- Managed initially under Plan C, then reassessed.
- If discharged on Plan A or B, follow-up as per those plans.
Counselling Points
- Explain the seriousness of dehydration in a young baby and the need for urgent hospital treatment.
- Show how to give ORS sips frequently during transport if applicable.
- Advise on keeping infant warm.
- Advise mother to continue breastfeeding whenever infant wants.
Differential Diagnosis
- Some Dehydration (Young Infant)
- Septic shock
- Other causes of altered consciousness/lethargy (PSBI, meningitis, hypoglycemia)
Potential Complications
- Hypovolemic shock
- Acute kidney injury
- Severe electrolyte imbalance
- Seizures
- Death
Prevention
- Exclusive breastfeeding.
- Handwashing.
- Safe water/sanitation.
- Rotavirus vaccination (where available, consider age limits).
- Prompt management of diarrhoea with ORS and continued feeding.
Reference: IMCI Chart Booklet - Page 35, Page 41 (Plan C - Young Infant), Page 40 (Pre-referral Warmth/Antibiotic)