HIV diagnosis in children under 18 months is performed on children who are exposed to HIV (children born to HIV-infected mothers), children suspected of being infected with HIV or having clinical symptoms suggestive of HIV infection and have positive HIV antibody test results.

Children who are exposed to HIV from their mothers will have special care and treatment. It is important to identify the child's condition, explain it to the family, and provide care instructions to help the child grow up healthy.

Many studies have shown that if there are no preventive measures, the rate of HIV transmission from mother to child during breastfeeding can be up to 30%. If there are not enough conditions to feed the child with formula milk instead, it is mandatory to breastfeed the child completely and absolutely should not let the child drink both breast milk and formula milk, because this has the potential to infect the child with HIV.

Caring for a child born to an HIV-infected mother is much more difficult than caring for a normal child. There are many issues that need to be addressed and clearly oriented during the care process to help limit the possibility of transmitting the HIV virus from mother to child.