Read the given assertion (A) and reason (R) and select the correct option based on the analysis of these statements.
Assertion (A): For a newborn delivered by an HIV-positive mother, standard protocol dictates that the infant must start a prophylactic course of antiretroviral therapy (ART) immediately, ideally within 6 to 12 hours of birth.
Reason (R): The goal of immediate newborn ART prophylaxis is to prevent the vertical transmission of the virus by treating any HIV that may have crossed the placenta or been acquired during the birthing process, thereby minimising the risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT).

Correct option is A

Explanation
1. Newborns born to HIV-positive mothers are started on antiretroviral prophylaxis as early as possible after birth to reduce the risk of HIV infection.
2. The prophylactic therapy acts against any virus that may have been transmitted during pregnancy, labor, or delivery.
3. Therefore, both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion.
Information Booster
1. Mother-to-child transmission can occur during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.
2. Early infant prophylaxis significantly reduces HIV transmission risk.
3. Maternal ART during pregnancy is another key strategy for prevention.
4. Early infant diagnosis is recommended for HIV-exposed infants.
Additional Knowledge
1. (b) is incorrect because the reason directly explains the assertion.
2. (c) is incorrect because both statements are true.
3. (d) is incorrect because the assertion is also true.