Neurodevelopment among children exposed to HIV and uninfected in sub-Saharan Africa.

CHEU in sub-Saharan Africa have biologic and socio-behavioural factors that may influence their neurodevelopment, brain maturation, immune system and overall health and wellbeing. Multidisciplinary research is needed to disentangle complex interactions between contributing factors. Common environmental and social risk factors for suboptimal neurodevelopment in the general population are disproportionately magnified within the CHEU population, and it is, therefore, important to draw on existing knowledge when considering the socio-behavioural pathways through which HIV exposure could impact CHEU neurodevelopment. Approaches to identify children at greatest risk for poor outcomes and multisectoral interventions are needed to ensure optimal outcomes for CHEU in sub-Saharan Africa.