THE Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has commissioned a research centre in its bid to improve quality health services and capacity building in Nigeria.
The Programme Implementation Centre which was funded by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USAID, Global Fund, and the World Bank, will facilitate the execution of public health projects.
Speaking at the Commissioning on Tuesday, June 6 in Abuja, the Chief Executive Director of IHVN, Patrick Dakum, said the campus will provide health service implementation, capacity building and research.
Noting that the centre will ensure equitable access to quality health services through innovative and evidence-based services, Dakum stated that the facility is equipped with ultramodern tools and equipment.
“The institute provides world-class laboratories like a biorepository with liquid nitrogen facilities, a genomics resource centre, clinical pathology, molecular diagnostics, chemistry and haematology, and microbiology laboratories.”
He further disclosed that the centre would host a Clinical Trials Unit to enable the effective conduct of investigation on drugs and vaccine where the negative effects are ascertained.
“It also hosts a Clinical Trials Unit, which will be a home for conducting clinical trials that specifically state how vaccines or drugs work in our population and the adverse effects observed,
“These projects provide HIV and TB prevention, care, and treatment services and nutrition services in more than 20 states in the country,” he added.”
Highlighting the importance of concerted efforts and partnership, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of IHVN, Umaru Shehu noted that accessing quality healthcare delivery required the intervention of Nigerians, communities, government at various levels, and international partners.
He further assured that the centre would mitigate the spread of emerging diseases.
“So, the commissioning of the IHVN Campus gives us hope that we can curb today’s emerging diseases of public health concern. I feel fulfilled because I have been a witness and participant in Nigeria’s efforts at stopping epidemics like Smallpox, Polio, Ebola, HIV, and COVID-19. So this is a major contribution to Nigeria’s healthcare efforts.
“Other things being equal, I predict that with facilities such as the ones you find on this Campus, Nigeria will soon become the destination for medical tourism, clinical diagnostics, treatment, and care for people with infectious and non-infectious diseases,” Shehu added.
He also expressed optimism in the attitude of young Nigerian scientists and researchers towards effective utilisation of the facilities.
“I see more young scientists inspired and emboldened by the facilities on this Campus to develop and execute research projects under the mentorship of more experienced investigators at the Institute’s International Research Center of Excellence.”
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