Abstract Body

Due to the success in preventing vertical transmission of HIV, there is an expanding global population of children who are HIV-exposed but uninfected (CHEU). Prior to the availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for pregnant and breastfeeding women, CHEU had evidence of excess mortality, morbidity and growth failure compared to children who are HIV-unexposed (CHU), particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Following the expansion of ART to prevent vertical transmission of HIV, it is becoming apparent that there are persistent health disparities between CHEU and CHU in the current era. This talk will focus on the current global population of children who are HIV-exposed but uninfected; the evidence for impaired health, growth and development in CHEU; the potential underlying mechanisms; and plausible interventions to reduce health disparities.