Korede Abdullah in Lagos
A Nigerian medical expert, Dr. Iyayi Osifo, has sparked public interest after revealing that a rare genetic mutation can make some individuals naturally resistant to HIV.
In a post shared on his social media platforms, Osifo explained that the mutation affects the CCR5 receptor found in white blood cells — a key entry point HIV uses to infect the body.
“People with this mutation don’t have the CCR5 receptor, so HIV has a harder time infecting them,” he wrote, noting that this rare trait is most prevalent in Northern Europe but has also been detected, though less frequently, in parts of Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya.
Despite the scientific intrigue, Dr. Osifo strongly cautioned against misinterpreting this discovery as a green light for unsafe sexual practices.
“This natural protection is rare and should not be used as an excuse for risky behaviour,” he warned. He emphasized the importance of regular HIV testing and adherence to preventive measures, adding that relying on a chance of carrying this mutation is both dangerous and irresponsible.
“It’s very important to know your HIV status. If you start treatment early and stick to it, you can live a normal life,” Osifo advised.
Offering a note of optimism, Dr. Osifo reassured people living with HIV that medical advancements have greatly improved long-term outcomes.
He noted that with early and consistent treatment, patients can lead healthy lives and often die of causes unrelated to HIV.
His comments come amid concerns over global HIV/AIDS funding, particularly following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial decision to halt financial aid to countries supporting access to antiretroviral drugs.
