US Varsity, IHVN Launch Research Institute on Healthcare

Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) is collaborating with it’s counterpart at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in the United States.to establish a health research institute to engage in multidisciplinary research using cutting-age technology.

Speaking at a press briefing to herald the commissioning of the research facility in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of IHVN Dr. Patrick Sunday Dakum, described the project as a groundbreaking development that will revolutionize healthcare delivery and research efforts in Nigeria.

Beyond this, Dakum said it will help in solidifying the country’s position in combating diseases and achieving sustainable development goals.

He said that the IHVN Campus would serve as a beacon of collaboration, bringing together multidisciplinary resources, institutions, and cutting-edge facilities to provide excellent healthcare services.

He explained that IHVN in the past 19 years has been at the forefront of addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis in Nigeria.

Dakum added that the organization has extended its efforts to address communicable and non-communicable diseases, including Tuberculosis, Malaria, Cancer, COVID-19, and emerging diseases.

According Dakum, the Institute has successfuly improved the quality of life of millions of people affected by these diseases through a combination of measures such as infrastructure development, comprehensive treatment, compassionate care, proactive prevention, and robust support programs.

He said, “ The IHVN Campus project is the result of a collaborative effort that began in 2004 when IHVN partnered with the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in the United States.

“ Notable figures such as Professor William Blattner, Professor Alash’le Abimiku, and Dr. Patrick Sunday Dakum were instrumental in laying the foundation for IHVN’s success. In 2010, the University of Maryland, Baltimore, supported the restructuring of IHVN into an indigenous non-governmental organization, ensuring its long-term sustainability.

“ Over the years, IHVN’s achievements have been remarkable. They have provided support for over 15 million HIV counseling and testing sessions, reaching more than 3.7 million pregnant women. Additionally, over half a million individuals have been initiated on anti-retroviral therapy, including more than twenty thousand children”.

Dakun further said that IHVN’s efforts in combating tuberculosis have benefited over 49,000 clients.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Laboratory Diagnostic and Research at IHVN Professor Alash’le Abimiku,, said the establishment of this center will greatly enhance the Nigerian population’s access to high-quality healthcare services and foster improved collaboration with other nations worldwide.