NACP Drug for Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV

Under India's National AIDS Control Program (NACP), Prevention of Parent-to-Child Transmission (PPTCT) services include giving antiretroviral prophylaxis to both the HIV-positive mother during pregnancy/delivery and to the newborn after birth. The drug of choice for the newborn is Nevirapine, given as a single oral dose (syrup) within 72 hours of birth, as it is safe, easy to administer, and effectively reduces the risk of intrapartum and early postnatal transmission of HIV from mother to child.

Option-wise Analysis

• Indinavir — This is a protease inhibitor used in combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-infected adults. It is not used for newborn prophylaxis and is not part of the NACP infant PMTCT protocol.
• Stavudine — A nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) historically used in adult/pediatric ART regimens, but it is not the specific drug recommended for newborn prophylaxis against mother-to-child transmission.
• Nevirapine (Correct Answer) — A non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) with a long half-life and high placental transfer, making a single dose to the newborn effective in blocking transmission. This is the standard drug specified under NACP guidelines for infants born to HIV-positive mothers.
• Ritonavir — A protease inhibitor, typically used as a pharmacokinetic booster in adult ART regimens; it has no role in newborn PMTCT prophylaxis.

Conclusion

As per the National AIDS Control Program's PPTCT guidelines, Nevirapine is administered to newborns of HIV-positive mothers to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, making it the correct answer.