NIMR HIV Study to Boost Patients’ Bone Treatment Outcomes: Researchers
Lagos: The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) says its ongoing study on the long-term impact of antiretroviral drugs on the bone density of HIV patients in the country will improve treatment outcomes. Speaking at the institute’s monthly media chat in Lagos, Dr. Pascal Ezeobi, Head of the Clinical Sciences Department at NIMR, disclosed that the study titled ‘Predictors of Antiretroviral Immune Reconstitution Bone Loss’ began in September 2021. According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ezeobi said the study is in conjunction with Emory University in Atlanta, U.S., and supported by the National Institute of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the U.S. He noted that the introduction of antiretroviral drugs over the years had impacted the quality of life of persons living with HIV, describing it as an important public health tool. He explained that while antiretroviral drugs have transformed the narrative around HIV, turning it from a feared disease into a more manageable condition, long-term use of these drugs can cause effects such as metabolic changes and impact liver, kidney function, and bone quality. The study aims to examine the long-term effects of antiretroviral drugs on HIV patients in Nigeria, particularly concerning bone strength. The Senior Research Fellow stated that the study would conclude in 2026 and the findings would be publicized to guide policies for improving treatment outcomes for individuals living with HIV. NIMR has reportedly provided care for no fewer than 26,000 persons living with HIV in Nigeria. Additionally, Dr. Agatha Wapmuk, another research fellow, highlighted NIMR’s role in combating cervical cancer through its ‘ACCCES-HPV Project,’ which has bolstered the uptake of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and screening among girls and women. She mentioned collaborations with Washington University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Wake Forest School of Medicine in alignment with WHO’s 2020 strategy to eliminate cervical cancer globally. Wapmuk revealed that Nigeria reports 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer annually, with 8,000 women dying yearly from the disease, underscoring the necessity to increase HPV vaccine uptake and screening. The project focuses on improving vaccination among girls aged 9 to 14 and screening women aged 30 to 65, as cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women. She described the innovative mother-daughter pair approach employed in the project to enhance HPV vaccination and screening uptake, leveraging the bond between mothers and daughters to offer a comprehensive prevention package. The study, now in its fourth year, will assess the strategy’s impact and cost-effectiveness, addressing potential implementation challenges.