RSUTH HIV Lab Records Global Approval for Bolstering Nigeria’s Fight against Virus

Koko Maxwella in Abuja

The Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) has earned prestigious international and national accreditation for its HIV programme’s PCR laboratory, a milestone hailed as a major advance in Nigeria’s fight against virus.

RSUTH announced on its X account on Friday that the facility, now holding an updated ISO standard certification, is recognized as a “cornerstone of quality healthcare” in the region, highlighting its dedication to excellence and its expanding role in Nigeria’s public health landscape.

A delegation from the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), led by Rivers State Project Director, Dr Stanley Idakwo, visited RSUTH to congratulate the team. Dr Idakwo praised the laboratory as “a centre of excellence” for its support to over 190 healthcare sites across Southern Nigeria, and for “setting new benchmarks in quality assurance and bio-safety”.

The visit also underscored the hospital’s work in skills transfer and mentorship, bolstering HIV service delivery nationwide. However, Dr Idakwo stressed that the laboratory’s long-term viability must be prioritised. “Sustainability is paramount,” he said. “We must ensure continued collaboration to maintain the programme’s impact once current grant funding concludes.”

Hospital management expressed their gratitude to partners, including the US Government and IHVN, for what they called “invaluable support” in strengthening Nigeria’s HIV response. They pledged to work closely with stakeholders to secure the programme’s future and guarantee uninterrupted services.

This recognition, observers say, not only enhances RSUTH’s reputation but also strengthens Nigeria’s push towards a resilient, world-class healthcare system.

 

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