Paediatric DTG Implementation Considerations for National Programmes

In mid-2021, national HIV programmes began to transition treatment for children living with HIV dolutegravir (DTG) 10 mg scored, dispersible tablets, also known as paediatric DTG (pDTG). Rapid introduction and rollout of pDTG is a priority to implement the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and ensure that children living with HIV receive the best available first- and second-line HIV treatment as soon as possible. It is important to note that a single pDTG switch should occur irrespective of the availability of a viral load (VL) test/result, or the value of the latest VL result, while maintaining or optimizing children on an abacavir/lamivudine (ABC/3TC) backbone. Currently, over 30 countries have plans for adoption and rollout of pDTG.