# Introduction

## What is Advanced HIV Disease (AHD)?

Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) refers to a stage of HIV infection where the immune system is severely weakened, typically defined by:

- CD4 count < 200 cells/mm³, or
- WHO clinical stage 3 or 4 conditions.

It often includes opportunistic infections such as TB, cryptococcal meningitis (CM), or other severe clinical manifestations.

## Why AHD Screening is Important

- Early identification of patients at high risk of opportunistic infections.
- Integration with ART workflows to streamline management.
- Compliance with WHO AHD guidelines.

## Integration into EMR

The AHD module is designed to work within the Point of Care (POC) [ART module](https://bookstack.hismalawi.org/books/egpaf-his/page/art-module "ART Module") of the national EMR, facilitating early detection and prompt treatment.

## Goals

- Improve patient outcomes through earlier detection.
- Standardize AHD data collection.
- Enable real-time decision-making at the facility level.