Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi, Obeagu Getrude Uzoma
Department of Biomedical and Laboratory Science Africa University Mutare Zimbabwe.
School of Nursing Science Kampala International University Kampala Uganda.
Health Sci Rep. 2025 Mar 20;8(3):e70591. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.70591. eCollection 2025 Mar.
Early infant diagnosis (EID) is a critical intervention in the global fight against pediatric HIV, providing early identification and treatment for HIV-exposed infants. This narrative review examines the role of EID in reducing vertical transmission, improving health outcomes, and mitigating stigma in communities. The review also explores innovations, challenges, and strategies for optimizing EID programs.
A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and WHO reports to identify relevant studies, guidelines, and program evaluations. Key focus areas included diagnostic techniques, implementation strategies, and community impacts of EID programs, with an emphasis on their integration into broader HIV care frameworks.
EID enables the early detection of HIV in infants, allowing timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART), which reduces morbidity and mortality. It also indirectly prevents postnatal transmission during breastfeeding by lowering viral loads in treated infants. Innovations such as point-of-care testing and digital health tools have improved access and efficiency, particularly in resource-limited settings. EID programs have demonstrated a positive societal impact by raising awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering trust in healthcare systems. However, significant challenges persist, including logistical barriers, infrastructure limitations, and socioeconomic constraints that hinder program effectiveness.
EID is essential for addressing pediatric HIV, contributing to the elimination of vertical transmission and improving outcomes for HIV-exposed infants. To enhance its impact, stakeholders must prioritize expanding access to diagnostic tools, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and engaging communities through education and advocacy. EID programs not only save lives but also foster societal shifts towards inclusivity and acceptance, paving the way for a healthier, HIV-free future.
早期婴儿诊断（EID）是全球抗击儿童艾滋病的一项关键干预措施，可为受艾滋病病毒感染的婴儿提供早期识别和治疗。本叙述性综述探讨了早期婴儿诊断在减少垂直传播、改善健康结局以及减轻社区耻辱感方面的作用。该综述还探讨了优化早期婴儿诊断项目的创新、挑战和策略。
在PubMed、Scopus等数据库以及世界卫生组织报告中进行了全面的文献检索，以识别相关研究、指南和项目评估。重点关注领域包括早期婴儿诊断项目的诊断技术、实施策略和社区影响，尤其强调将其纳入更广泛的艾滋病护理框架。
早期婴儿诊断能够早期检测出婴儿感染艾滋病病毒，从而及时启动抗逆转录病毒疗法（ART），降低发病率和死亡率。它还通过降低接受治疗婴儿的病毒载量，间接预防母乳喂养期间的产后传播。即时检测和数字健康工具等创新改善了可及性和效率，特别是在资源有限的环境中。早期婴儿诊断项目通过提高认识、减少耻辱感以及增强对医疗系统的信任，已显示出积极的社会影响。然而，重大挑战依然存在，包括后勤障碍、基础设施限制以及阻碍项目有效性的社会经济制约因素。
早期婴儿诊断对于应对儿童艾滋病至关重要，有助于消除垂直传播并改善受艾滋病病毒感染婴儿的结局。为增强其影响，利益相关者必须优先扩大诊断工具的可及性、加强医疗基础设施，并通过教育和宣传让社区参与进来。早期婴儿诊断项目不仅拯救生命，还推动社会向包容和接纳转变，为更健康、无艾滋病的未来铺平道路。
