Monthly Archives: November 2023

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has participated in the 54^th Union World Conference on Lung Health in Paris. The conference, which had the theme, “Transforming Evidence into Practice,” provided a platform for implementers and researchers to share experiences and present the latest scientific research on lung health, to network, and discuss the need for evidence-based health policies and decisions.

IHVN facilitated a symposium and presented 14 oral abstracts and five e-posters. Staff from the USAID TB-LON 3 project, Global Fund Public Private Mix (GF PPM) and International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) shared experiences and research findings from the Institute’s project and research activities in Nigeria.

Abstracts were presented on community tuberculosis screening activities, the use of artificial intelligence for tuberculosis case-finding, private-sector collaboration to fight tuberculosis, childhood tuberculosis, and drug-resistant tuberculosis amongst others.

IHVN staff also participated in sharing information about efforts to address tuberculosis in Nigeria at the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program (NTBLCP) and USAID booths.

IHVN Director of TB Programs and Chief of Party of the USAID TB-LON 3 Project, Dr. Aderonke Agbaje, said that “Nigeria has made progress in engaging all stakeholders towards finding the missing tuberculosis cases, improving the coverage of tuberculosis treatment and providing quality, patient-centered services. IHVN contributed significantly to the country’s success and as such, it is important to share the best practices we deployed in achieving this. We also learned about novel interventions, new tools, and new regimens that will further improve the services we provide,” she said.

Prior to the conference, Dr. Agbaje joined more than 130 participants at the Global Meeting of the Working Group on Public-Private Mix (PPM) for TB Prevention and Care to share experiences on PPM implementation, innovative approaches as well as lessons learned from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on private sector health service delivery in Nigeria.

IHVN Wins Five Gold Trophies at FIDAF Tournament

In a resounding display of teamwork and determination, the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) has won gold trophies in football, chess, tug-of-war, basketball, and relay at the 12th Federation of International Agencies Football (FIDAF) Tournament organized in Abuja.

The FIDAF tournament, which is organized for non-governmental organization employees to foster work-life balance and promote a healthy company culture, brought together implementing partners to play badminton, table tennis, volleyball, football, basketball, tug-of-war, relay race, chess.

IHVN Director, Administration and Finance, Mr. Olu Alabi, who was present at the tournament gave a “Kudos to the IHVN team” for a job well done. He represented the IHVN management and cheered the football team to victory. The IHVN team also came second place in table tennis and got a bronze medal in volleyball.

IHVN Assistant Team Manager and IHVN Senior Building Services Officer, Ikeobi Mbonu expressed his excitement at the victory.

“I am super excited, I can’t believe that we finally have the football trophy, last year we did not get it but this year we do, we thank God for giving us life and good health. I also want to appreciate my colleagues who came to practice regularly and those who came to cheer us.  Keep the IHVN flag flying high. We’re coming back stronger,” he added.

Coach Kolawole Lebi, who trained the football players, appreciated the IHVN management for their support. “They drafted me because they believed in me and we did it!”

IHVN Senior Program Officer Laboratory, Mr Muyiwa Balogun who played chess as the defending champion, said that it was a remarkable outing. “It was very tough in the beginning but each time we play, we meet different opponents. I’m happy I was able to deliver.  Up IHVN! I feel happy” he said.

FIDAF Tournament Organizer, Grace Uadia said that to encourage healthy competition and time to unwind, FIDAF will coordinate monthly friendly competitions. “It has been hectic putting this together, but it’s been worth it. The idea is not to play and forget work but to train, build capacity and then play.  There have been certain challenges but at the end it is worth it” she added.

Staff of organizations such as Society for Family Health, AFENET, APIN Public Health Initiatives, E-Health, British High Commission, ECEWS, and the US Embassy participated in the tournament.