This policy brief provides an overview of the WHO Guidelines for managing advanced HIV disease and rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy.

The objectives of these guidelines are to provide recommendations outlining a public health approach to managing people presenting with advanced HIV disease, and to provide guidance on the timing of initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all people living with HIV.

This policy brief provides advice on a phased approach to transitioning to new WHO-recommended HIV treatment regimens. The target audience includes country HIV programme managers, procurement agencies, implementing partners, and other relevant parties.

New WHO interim guidelines contain recommendations regarding preferred first-line regimens for adults, adolescents and children initiating ART, which now include DTG and RAL.