The Highly Exposed Uninfected Infant cohort (HEUICS) was a US$1,852,397.00 research project which focused on assessing morbidity and mortality among Children HIV-Exposed and Uninfected (CHEU) during the first six months of life, with a secondary aim of determining whether disparities could be linked to the timing of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) initiation or elevated maternal immune activation. A total of 1,276 infants were followed to compare health outcomes between CHEU and HIV-unexposed children (HUU) in a context of widespread maternal ART coverage and high breastfeeding rates. Among the live births, there were 36 deaths and 89 hospitalizations within six months. Preconception ART uptake was 73%, and most HIV-positive pregnant women had suppressed viral loads at enrollment. Breastfeeding at five months was at 91%, and exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a 43% reduction in hospitalization risk. No significant differences in hospitalization or mortality rates were found between CHEU and HIV unexposed children, and these findings remained consistent after adjusting for maternal immune activation, prematurity, and small for gestational age (SGA).
