how long can a child live born with hiv

We have made great strides in the treatment of children born with HIV. Beginning in the early to mid 1990s, in the developed world, treatment regimens including 3 antiretroviral drugs[ARVs] became the standard of care. While the best time to initiate ARVs in HIV infected children remains controversial we know from our own experience that infants born with HIV infection and started on therapy with triple drugs are now 14 years after the initiation of treatment with completely normal immune systems. We also have one child we have cared for since infancy who is now in her early 20s. At this time there is reason to believe that children receiving effective treatment can live long-term healthy lives.JLS.