CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS (PLWHAS)

High productivity and Economic growth are significantly guaranteed when the health status of workmen is very positive. Debilitating diseases, like HIV/AIDS, on the other hand, precipitate “Sickness-Induced-Absenteeism”, and Low productivity among affected workmen.From medical records, HIV/AIDS is a disease whose total cure has remained an enigma. This study was carried out in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Benin-City, Nigeria, to find out the HIV/AIDS management services in that Institution particularly for theeconomically-productive population, living with HIV/AIDS. Interview was the Data-Collection technique employed for the descriptive survey. Research Findings showed that Comprehensive management involves: pre-test counselling for individuals to know their HIVstatus; Testing for HIV, using “HIV-Antibody” or “HIV-Antigen/PCR techniques; Post-TestCounselling; Drug therapy; good nutrition; Integration and Empowerment of people living with HIV/AIDS to help them live normal lives and contribute to economic growth. It was recommended that HIV Mass Awareness Programmes should be intensified and that PLWHAS should not be discriminated against, as they remain an important segment of the nation’s productive workforce.