Comparison 1. Early ART versus standard or deferred ART (CD4 ≤ 200 or CD4 ≤ 250 cells/µl).

Outcome or subgroup title	No. of studies	No. of participants	Statistical method	Effect size
1 Death	2	1065	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.26 [0.11, 0.62]
2 Tuberculosis	2	1065	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.54 [0.26, 1.12]
3 Disease progression measured by opportunistic disease	1		Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	Totals not selected
4 Any Grade 3 or 4 adverse events ITT analysis	1		Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	Totals not selected
5 Grade 3 or 4 anaemia Per Protocol analysis	1		Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	Totals not selected