Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an infection that attacks an individual’s immune cells, particularly the CD4+ cells. In non-infected individuals, these cells help the body fight off common bacteria and viruses. When HIV kills off these cells, patients are at greater risk of developing and dying from life threatening infections. There is currently no cure or vaccinations against HIV, however there are a number to treatment that can slow down the disease progression and allow patients to live full health lives.

The goal of HIV treatment is to prevent the progression to AIDS, decrease transmission and decrease complications from the disease. AID’s is diagnosed when an individual’s CD4+ count is below 400 cells per cubic millimeters of blood (compared to 1000 in a health individual) and one or more HIV related illnesses

As of January 2006, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since it was first recognized on December 1, 1981, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in recorded history. 

 

RCN HIV Center

In partnership with the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), RCN provides comprehensive HIV care to patients. The center focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of HIV infected individuals. Counseling is available for patients and family members affected by HIV. Our facility is equipped with highly accurate and efficient laboratory equipment to properly diagnose and monitor patient treatments. Our Viral Load and CD4+ count machines can run routine tests that will determine if a current treatment is effective in controlling the disease. All RCN medical staff involved in providing HIV care has undergone extensive training on methods to delivering effective, sensitive and compassionate care.

We also outsource our laboratory services to medical facilities and HIV centers in the area. Please contact us if your facility would like to use our services.

We are currently working to develop the RCN Tele-HIV Program to allow for greater access to HIV specialists using telehealth technology.