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The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) recently joined family, friends, and well-wishers to bid farewell to Hon. Josephine Yinoe Tapgun, a cherished member of the IHVN Board, who passed away on 3rd November 2024.

The wake mass and funeral service in her honour were held at St Fimbars Catholic Church Rayfield, Jos, on November 14th and 15th, 2024, respectively.

IHVN Chief Executive Officer Dr. Patrick Dakum, who was represented at the event by IHVN Director Program Coordinating Unit, Dr. Yusuf Baba Oche, and IHVN Jos Regional Manager Mr. Timzing Miri-Dashe, conveyed the condolences of the Institute’s Board and Management to her family.

 Her family’s representative, Ambassador Sir Fidelis Tapgun, former Governor of Plateau State, expressed their gratitude to the Institute. He also thanked everyone who attended the ceremony and called for continued prayers for the family.

The event highlighted the Late Hon. Tapgun’s life of service and love and her positive impact on countless lives. Both the Plateau State Government Deputy Governor, Ms. Josephine Piyo, and the representative of the Plateau State Traditional Council, The Long-Gomai of Shendam, His Royal Highness Martins Shaldas, expressed sadness over her passing and noted that it was a loss to Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

Hon. Tapgun was widely respected for her unwavering commitment to humanity. As an IHVN Board Director, she was instrumental in advancing the organization’s mission to improve healthcare and empower communities across Nigeria.

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) is participating in a groundbreaking African-led initiative to develop an HIV vaccine aimed at addressing the continent’s high burden of HIV infections.

Through its International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE), IHVN is implementing the “Bringing Innovation to Clinical and Laboratory Research to End HIV in Africa through New Vaccine Technology” (BRILLIANT) project in Nigeria. The project is funded by a $45 million grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and led by the Chief Executive Officer and President of the South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa, Prof. Glenda Gray

The initiative is part of the HIV Vaccine Innovation, Science, and Technology Acceleration in Africa (HIV-VISTA) program, includes Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and Mozambique, and it aims to tailor HIV vaccine solutions to meet the specific needs of African populations.

IRCE Executive Director, Professor Alash’le Abimiku, expressed optimism about the project’s potential emphasizing that it is an essential step towards reducing the continent’s dependency on external support by cultivating local expertise and fostering private-sector partnerships.

“Africa currently bears approximately 65 percent of the global HIV burden, with Nigeria ranking as the fourth highest in cases worldwide. In 2023, UNAIDS estimated nearly 40 million people were living with HIV globally, with 1.3 million new infections recorded. In Nigeria alone, 1.9 million people are affected by HIV, underscoring the urgent need for additional preventive tools like a vaccine.”

She stressed the importance of leveraging new vaccine technologies, such as mRNA, to keep Africa’s healthcare solutions modern: “We cannot be using outdated technologies of the 18th century. We have to employ current technologies, and this collaboration should bring that capacity to our continent. This is a true partnership that acknowledges Africa’s potential for innovation and science to solve global health challenges, especially those that disproportionately impact our continent.”

IHVN and the BRILLIANT consortium’s efforts focus on evaluating vaccine candidates originating from Africa, with plans to implement the research solely within Sub-Saharan Africa, the region most affected by the epidemic. The HIV-VISTA study and the BRILLIANT project aim to establish a sustainable foundation for HIV vaccine research and development within the continent, potentially saving millions of lives by advancing local solutions to one of Africa’s most significant health challenges.

The Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Temitope Ilori, stated that “the five-year research initiative aims to find an effective vaccine for HIV, a virus particularly prevalent among youths, which could contribute significantly to the goal of the Federal Ministry of Health in eradicating the virus. Nigeria is one of eight African countries commissioned to work on a vaccine suitable for our population. This clinical trial, part of the BRILLIANT Study, is a crucial step toward ending HIV in Africa.”

Also at the event, UNAIDS Country Director Dr. Leo Zekeng, applauded the initiative as a groundbreaking step in global AIDS prevention. “At the core of our global strategy is ending inequalities and ending AIDS by 2030.  Promoting science, research, and development is part of this effort and this initiative is tailored for Africa’s population and empowers local scientists to continue the fight against HIV. He expressed appreciation for USAID’s support, describing it as “sa vital investment in Africa’s healthcare future.”

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 October 2024, IHVN Celebrates, Temitayo Raimi, Clare Ohunayo, Sunday Ekere, Lem Kwem Imasuen, Ayomide Olumefun, Elizabeth Ejura Ali, Charles Imogie, Abubakar Iliyasu Bichi, Pascal Lojah Nyam, Adekunle Adebisi Deborah, Ifeanyi-Ukeagbu Ify Genevieve, Adebimpe Manuwa, Idowu Owoeye and Samuel Akingbesote whose performance stood out in their teams.

Three hearty cheers to our October star performers!

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) deeply mourns the passing of its esteemed Board Director, Ms. Josephine Tapgun, who departed on November 3, 2024.

Hon. Tapgun was appointed to the IHVN Board in 2012, where she made invaluable contributions to the Institute’s growth and success. With her extensive experience as the former Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, alongside over 20 years of service in the public sector, Hon. Tapgun played a pivotal role in the strategic management and governance of the Institute.

IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick Dakum said that “her unwavering commitment to public health has left a lasting impact on IHVN, and she will be profoundly missed by the board and all who had the privilege of working with her. The Institute extends its deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time,” he said.

Before her passing at 64 years, Josephine Tapgun made a tremendous impact through her exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to nation-building. She served in various key capacities, including as an Assistant Director in both the Ministries of Power and Youth Development. Additionally, Ms. Tapgun was an Assistant Chief Consulting Officer for the National Council on Inter-Governmental Relations (NCIR), where she was responsible for monitoring activities and resolving conflicts between different tiers of government.

Ms. Tapgun was a highly respected expert in her field of psychology.  She earned a Master of Science degree in Organizational Psychology from the University of Jos in 1989, following her earlier achievement of a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Psychology. Her extensive academic background and professional experience positively influenced the various institutions she served.

It was an evening of glitz, glamour, and merriment when the Board of Directors, management, staff, family members, friends, and beneficiaries of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) gathered in Abuja to celebrate two decades of excellence in public health implementation, capacity building, and research. 

During the dinner, there were inspiring speeches, staff testimonials, award presentations to long-serving staff, games, and dancing. At the event, IHVN Chief Executive Officer,  Dr. Patrick Dakum recounted the Institute’s progress from its establishment in 2004 till date. 

“Over the years, we have provided HIV medications to more than 600,000 individuals, supported orphans and vulnerable children across the country, and restored hope for many living with HIV, including children. Some children who were born with HIV when we were established and at the point of death are now getting ready to be married.”

He said that IHVN has expanded its services to non-communicable diseases and has grown to host two centers, the Center for Public Health Implementation and the International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE).

IRCE Executive Director, Prof. Alash’le Abimiku stressed the importance of research and small beginnings and urged young researchers to keep dreaming. 

IHVN Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Dr Charles Olalekan Mensah also took guests down memory lane to trace the Institute’s achievements. 

IHVN is a leading non-governmental organization established in 2004 to address the HIV/AIDS crisis in Nigeria by developing infrastructure for treatment, care, prevention, and support for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. The Institute has expanded its services to other infectious diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, and non-infectious diseases, including cancers. As a local organization, the Institute is structured to collaboratively develop and maintain linkages within and outside the country that support the Government of Nigeria’s health sector strategic plans.