A Nigerian scholar, Elizabeth Kehinde Oladipo, has won international commendation after presenting her groundbreaking research on how HIV affects the brain at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, UNMC, Omaha, USA.
Her study zeroes in on the HIV Tat protein, a molecule that remains active in the brain even when patients are on combined antiretroviral therapy, cART.
According to her findings, Tat contributes to long-term neurological damage, including memory loss, poor cognition, and neurodegeneration.
Speaking during a poster presentation, Oladipo explained that while antiretroviral treatment has transformed HIV into a manageable condition, Tat remains a persistent threat.
“Tat persists in the brain long after the virus has been suppressed in the blood, which makes it particularly dangerous,” she said. “My research is focused on understanding how Tat interacts with brain cells, so we can develop ways to protect patients from long-term neurological complications.”
Her work drew strong praise from fellow researchers and senior scientists, who commended both the robustness of her data and the clarity of her presentation.
Many described the study as a potential breakthrough in addressing HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders, which continue to challenge the medical community despite advances in treatment.
With more than 39 million people living with HIV worldwide, and Nigeria carrying one of the heaviest burdens, Oladipo’s research carries both global and local significance.
Experts say it could guide new strategies to reduce the hidden impact of HIV on the brain, improving long-term quality of life for millions.
Oladipo, who has dedicated her career to advancing human health through science, expressed hope that her findings would strengthen global efforts against the virus.
“This research is not just about laboratory work; it is about people’s lives,” she noted. “If we can understand Tat at the molecular level, we can find ways to protect the brain and help patients live healthier, fuller lives.”
Her achievement highlights the growing impact of Nigerian scientists on the world stage and reinforces the role of African researchers in tackling some of today’s most pressing health challenges.
