A US-led study that started in 2011 and meant to run till 2016 has now been cut- short after showing that early treatment of HIV patients is beneficial to patients compared to treatment after the white blood cells level drops. Currently, people get antiretroviral therapy only when their white blood cells level drops to the extent of about 500 white blood cells in every cubic millimeter of blood according to W.H.O guidelines.

The trial on 4685 people in 35 countries organised by the US National Institute of Health compared this approach with immediate treatment. There is now a clear-cut proof that it is of significantly greater health benefits to HIV-infected persons to start antiretroviral therapy sooner rather than later according to the Director of NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, Anthony Fauci.

[Long Version]