Cure for HIV and AIDS is possible, says expert

Prof. Suleiman Akanmu, Head, Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), on Thursday said that through  continuous research the cure for HIV and AIDS could be achieved. Akanmu told the news men in Lagos that lots of researchers worldwide were looking for ways to shift from treatment to cure for HIV and AIDS. He said it was interesting that there were therapies that could help in the management of HIV and urged Nigerian researchers to be part of the global search for a cure for HIV and AIDS. “The future of AIDS in Nigeria is like the future of AIDS anywhere in the world. In terms of research, it will be fine if Nigeria`s name can also come on the map in our efforts looking for cure for HIV and AIDS. “That is where we should be researching into, and it is not impossible that we can also contribute in that area. “I can tell you that if the present tempo continues the scientific world would have the last laugh over HIV and AIDS,“. Akanmu said that the country had made remarkable progress in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV by increasing access and integrating HIV prevention, treatment and care services. He said that the country had recorded a sharp decline in the new Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection rate and also recorded significant success in the fight against HIV. The professor, however, advised the Federal Government not to relent in its effort at reducing and eventually eradicating HIV in the country. (NAN)