The World Health Organization (WHO) has released updated recommendations on HIV clinical management, reflecting advances since 2021. The guidance focuses on optimizing antiretroviral therapy (ART), strengthening prevention of vertical HIV transmission, and improving tuberculosis (TB) prevention for people living with HIV, to reduce mortality and accelerate the progress toward ending AIDS.

Dolutegravir-based regimens remain the preferred HIV treatment, with darunavir/ritonavir now recommended when a protease inhibitor is needed. The guidelines support reuse of tenofovir and abacavir, introduce long-acting injectable ART for people with adherence challenges, and endorse simplified two-drug oral regimens for clinically stable individuals.

To prevent vertical transmission, WHO emphasizes a person-centered approach, continuing to recommend breastfeeding alongside effective maternal ART, infant postnatal prophylaxis, and enhanced regimens for infants at higher risk.

For TB prevention, WHO now recommends a three-month weekly isoniazid plus rifapentine regimen (3HP) as the preferred option for adults and adolescents with HIV to improve treatment completion and reduce TB-related deaths.

These recommendations will be incorporated into the next WHO consolidated HIV guidelines to support countries, clinicians, and communities in strengthening HIV programmes globally.