Care of the Child Perinatally Exposed to Human Immunodeficiency Virus

center dot Over 16 million children globally are perinatally exposed to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and the population who remains uninfected is growing. center dot Children who are HIV-exposed but uninfected (CHEU) face unique health challenges and have higher risk of adverse neonatal outcomes, infectious morbidity, growth faltering, and poorer neurodevelopment compared to HIV-unexposed children. center dot Etiologies of worse health and neurodevelopmental outcomes in CHEU are likely multifactorial, ranging from exposure to the virus itself or antiretroviral therapy to the complex psychosocial environment associated with living in an HIV-affected household. center dot Interventions aimed at improving outcomes in CHEU should prioritize the optimization of perinatal HIV care, as well as creating a nurturing, safe environment for the mother-child dyad. center dot A comprehensive package of care integrating general and HIV care from the antenatal period through early childhood is ideal for promoting optimal child outcomes.