HIV related CNS disorders in children

Abstract

HIV infection associated central nervous diseases and developmental disabilities in perinatally infected children contribute to a major burden of morbidity and mortality, especially in sub-Sahara Africa. HIV infection associated CNS disease comprises of neurocognitive, motor, behavioural, language and communication impairments. In 2017, only 52% of children aged 0-14 years living with HIV, had access to antiretroviral treatment. The majority of these children with limited access to ART live in sub- Sahara Africa. Where access to ART is available, the number of surviving HIV infected children and adolescents has increased; many of these children and adolescents display HIV associated CNS morbidity.