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The Executive Director of the International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Prof. Alash’le Abimiku has revealed that the Institute has joined the search for a HIV vaccine in partnership with organizations from eight countries.

Prof. Abimiku stated this at a press briefing to mark IHVN’s 20^th anniversary in Abuja.

“For 30 years, Nigeria has not been involved in vaccine research to ensure that the vaccine that finally comes out will be relevant to Nigeria. So IHVN for the first time has put Nigeria and the whole of West Africa on the map. This is a big breakthrough in ending a pandemic that has affected millions of people with a significant number of people on lifelong medications,” she said.

The IRCE Executive Director said that the Institute is currently sequencing the viruses that come from Nigeria and West Africa, Sub-type G, and CRF- O2 to ensure that those sequences are part of a vaccine construct. She noted that the research will go through different phases that may take five to ten years.

“We are at the initial stages of the project with funding from USAID for the first five years. We are designing the construct to make sure that it has sequences of our viruses, so that is the first step. Whatever we test must take into consideration the viruses existent in our country,” she added.

She explained that IRCE is involved in clinical trials to test new drugs and concepts.

“We have a clinical trials unit. This differentiates us from other NGOs.  This is why we can test candidate HIV vaccines and evaluate new platforms for diagnostics. Even during COVID, we tested if we could give individuals antibodies from other individuals that have recovered – individuals that were able to fight it.”

Prof. Abimiku said that IRCE’s vision is to tackle local challenges.

“It is not unusual that a lot of what we’ve done has focused on HIV, TB, malaria but we’ve also gone into non-communicable diseases that have been ravaging our population”

Also at the press briefing, IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr Patrick Dakum commended the media for partnering with the Institute to provide quality health services, capacity building, and research.

“Our celebration is mainly a celebration of life for the contributions that we have made. It is not just about the number of people we have provided services to, behind every number is a human being whose quality of life has improved,” he said.

IHVN Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah stressed that the Institute’s achievements have been a result of partnerships and funding support of more than 300 million USD through grants from Global Fund, USAID, United States National Institutes of Health amongst other agencies.  

In fostering an excellent work culture and staff performance, the Executive Management of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has initiated the “Employee Recognition Awards” to recognise “Employees of the Month” and “Employee of the Year.”

According to the IHVN Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Olu Alabi, this recognition covers overall employee performance in dressing, innovation, teamwork, productivity, efficiency, leadership & interpersonal skills, punctuality and adherence to company values and principles amongst others.

For September 2024, IHVN Celebrates, Clare Ohunayo, Emmanuella Emmanuel, Oluwayemisi Asiozi, Lem Kwem Imasuen, Oluwatoyin Awoyemi, Oluwakemi Akinyede, Elizabeth Ejura Ali, Johnbull Egharevba, Abdulmojeed Akande, Muhammed Usman, Lojah Pascal Nyam, Isaac Bakzak, Sanusi Abiodun, Rayi Oluwagbemi, Ebenezer Ajayi, Anderson Ricketts and Odola Oluwafemi, whose performance stood out in their teams.

Three hearty cheers to our September star performers!

The US Deputy Chief of Mission, (DCM) to Nigeria, David Green has applauded the collaboration between the U.S. government, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), and other partners in equipping adolescents with digital, vocational, and leadership skills through an Adolescent and Young People (AYP) Tech Hub.

Mr Greene said this during the graduation ceremony for 50 adolescents and young people from an eight-month program at an AYP Tech Hub in Abuja. He said the initiative represents a significant step in ensuring that young Nigerians are equipped with the tools to compete in the global digital economy.

“This initiative is not just about creating economic opportunities. It is about fostering a generation that will shape Nigeria’s future. Through the training and mentorship provided here, we are reducing vulnerabilities, encouraging personal and economic growth, and ensuring that these young people are not just participants in the economy, but leaders of tomorrow,” he added.

He congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to take their newly acquired skills beyond Nigeria’s borders and become global ambassadors of innovation and entrepreneurship.

IHVN Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Dr Charles Olalekan Mensah thanked the US Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) and the U.S. government for their unwavering support. He emphasized the crucial role of partnerships in youth empowerment.

“The future belongs to those who are prepared, and today we are witnessing the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian leaders ready to take on global challenges.”

Dr. Mensah also urged the students to utilize the skills gained to impact their communities.

“As you step into the next chapter of your lives, remember that the most successful people are not just those with skills, but those who continue to seek out new knowledge, who collaborate with others, and who never stop evolving. You are the future leaders, creators, and innovators who will solve the challenges of tomorrow. I encourage you to keep pushing boundaries, to embrace change, and to use your skills to make an impact—not just in your careers, but in the world at large.”

 Also at the ceremony, The District Head of Kurudu Community, Chief Ezra Gomna thanked the institute and its partners for locating the hub in his community. “This community has now been equipped and our children will not be unemployed because they have gained skills that will help them greatly in the future, I want to use this opportunity to urge those graduating to share their new skills with other members of the community, so you do not leave your brothers and sisters behind.”

The star graduating student and valedictorian of her set, Divine Adaobi was overjoyed and thankful to have been part of this initiative. “The tools we’ve acquired aren’t just for today, they are the keys to unlocking tomorrow’s opportunities. Whether creating apps, developing solutions, or leading digital transformations, we have become part of a movement that drives progress and shapes the future.”

“So, let’s stay curious, bold, and continue learning. The future is digital, and we are the innovators ready to build it,” she said.  

The AYP Tech Hub was established with funding from the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) through IHVN. It is located in the FCT and is designed to be a welcoming and innovative space where young people can access educational and entrepreneurial opportunities. The hub’s mission is to equip adolescents with the skills needed for global competitiveness, including digital literacy, vocational expertise, and leadership capabilities.

The program’s curriculum focused on skills such as ICT, robotics, coding, web and mobile app development, and digital marketing. Vocational training also covered make-up artistry and hair styling, catering services, and nail technology. Beyond technical skills, participants also received psychosocial support through mentorship, leadership training, and health services, including HIV testing and gender-based violence awareness.

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) is celebrating 20 years of “excellence in public health implementation, capacity building and research.”

IHVN was incorporated in October 2004. It started with the implementation of a grant by Professor William Blattner, who was the Director of the Epidemiology Division of the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s Institute of Human Virology.

The Institute was established to outlast the grant and address the HIV/AIDS crisis in Nigeria by developing infrastructure for treatment, care, prevention, and support for people living with and affected by HIV. IHVN has expanded its services to other infectious and non-infectious diseases as it continues to provide quality health services, capacity building, and research with guidance from a Board of Directors consisting of seasoned and committed professionals and leaders in health, business, research, management, finance, communications, and other areas.

Since 2004, IHVN has provided HIV testing services to more than 18 million people, life-saving antiretroviral treatment to more than 600,000 people, trained over 50,000 healthcare workers, and provided tuberculosis services to more than 300,000 individuals.

As the Institute commemorates this milestone, IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick Dakum said, “Some of the achievements can only be described in terms of beneficiaries that have come under the support of IHVN.”

Dr. Dakum added that IHVN has utilized financial support from funding agencies and partnership with all levels of government, the public and private sector, to put smiles of the faces of many.

The CEO praised the staff for their support, the University of Maryland for its technical guidance and stakeholders for their collaboration. He called for continued partnership in addressing the health needs of many more people in Nigeria and West Africa.