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The Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN), in its role as a Principal Recipient of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, joined the Government of Nigeria and key stakeholders for a high-level visit by the Executive Director of the Global Fund, Mr. Peter Sands, to Kwara, Ogun, and Lagos States.

The strategic visit showcased the impact of Global Fund investments in strengthening Nigeria’s response to HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), Malaria, and resilient health systems while reinforcing state ownership and sustainable healthcare delivery.

Kwara State: Advancing State-Led Health Ownership

The visit commenced in Kwara State, where the delegation was received by His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, alongside Her Excellency, Ambassador Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, First Lady of Kwara State, and the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam.

The engagement highlighted the state’s commitment to strengthening health systems through strategic partnerships with the Federal Government, the Global Fund, IHVN, and other implementing partners.

Speaking during the visit, IHVN Director Special Projects, Dr. Aderonke Agbaje, reaffirmed the Institute’s longstanding partnership with the Government of Nigeria.

“IHVN has been implementing Global Fund grants under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for almost 18 years. Under the current GC7 grant, we serve as the Principal Recipient for comprehensive HIV services and TB/HIV integration, supporting communities and the private sector while linking them with government health structures and services.”

Dr. Agbaje also expressed appreciation to Mr. Peter Sands and Global Fund Portfolio Manager/Country Team Lead for Nigeria, Dr. John-Thomas Nouboussi, for their leadership in advancing patient-centred service delivery.

Ogun State: Strengthening Integrated Healthcare and Supply Chain Systems

The delegation proceeded to Ogun State, where they visited the State Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta, to observe progress in integrated service delivery for HIV, TB, malaria, and Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT).

The visit also featured the commissioning of the Pharma Grade Medical Warehouse under the Ogun State Drug and Health Commodities Management Agency (OGDHCMA) by Governor Dapo Abiodun. The state-of-the-art warehouse is expected to strengthen commodity supply chains, reduce stock-outs, and improve the timely distribution of medicines and diagnostic commodities across Ogun State’s 20 Local Government Areas.

During a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House, participants reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable healthcare financing, counterpart funding, and stronger state ownership of health programmes.

Governor Abiodun noted that over 30,000 residents living with HIV in Ogun State are currently receiving free antiretroviral therapy, counselling, and support services.

Commending the progress made, Mr. Peter Sands said:

“What we’re seeing in Ogun is the power of integration and local ownership. Investments in HIV, TB, and malaria are stronger when they work together, and this warehouse will help ensure no one is left behind.”

Lagos State: Boosting Genomic Surveillance and Health Security

The final leg of the visit took the delegation to Lagos State, where Mr. Peter Sands joined senior government officials, development partners, and IHVN to commission the National Genomic Sequencing Warehouse at the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL), Yaba, with support from the Global Fund.

The newly commissioned facility represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s laboratory capacity and will strengthen genomic surveillance, disease outbreak preparedness, and national health security. During the tour, laboratory personnel demonstrated advanced technologies supporting the country’s growing genomic surveillance network.

Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, described the facility as a transformative investment for Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.

“This is one of the most advanced laboratory investments in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. It will significantly enhance research, diagnostics, and evidence-based public health interventions nationwide.”

She noted that the facility will strengthen HIV drug resistance monitoring, TB and malaria surveillance, and broader disease diagnostics, including cancer research.

Strengthening Partnerships for Greater Impact

The high-level visit reaffirmed the strong collaboration between the Government of Nigeria, the Global Fund, IHVN, and other partners in delivering sustainable, high-quality health services across the country.

As preparations begin for the next Global Fund grant cycle (GC8), IHVN remains committed to translating global investments into measurable health outcomes by strengthening health systems, expanding access to quality HIV, TB, and malaria services, and supporting Nigeria’s journey toward improved health security and universal health coverage.

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) joined the global community in commemorating World Hand Hygiene Day by promoting proper hand hygiene practices among staff and reinforcing the importance of infection prevention and control within healthcare settings.

Observed annually, World Hand Hygiene Day highlights the critical role of hand hygiene in preventing infections and saving lives. This year’s theme, “Action Saves Lives,” underscores the importance of consistent and effective hand hygiene practices in healthcare environments.

The IHVN Laboratory Department organized interactive demonstrations in the various departments within the organization. The activities featured practical sessions on proper handwashing techniques, and the use of ultraviolet (UV) light technology to assess hand cleanliness and provide staff with real-time feedback on their hygiene practices.

Participants actively took part in the demonstrations, asked questions, and gained practical knowledge applicable to their daily routines.

Speaking during the activity, IPC Prevention Lead, Manji Tyem emphasized the life-saving importance of proper hand hygiene.

“If you wash your hands well, it means you are saving lives. We need to break the chain of transmission of infections. Through this demonstration, we are assessing whether individuals know how to wash their hands properly,” she said.

IHVN Grants Assistant, Plangji Dabeng who participated in the activity described it as enlightening,

“I am glad we have been shown the proper way to wash our hands in order to protect ourselves and others from infections,” he said.

The event underscored IHVN’s continued commitment to promoting safe healthcare practices and safeguarding the well-being of both staff and patients through strengthened infection prevention and control measures.

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 recognize “Employees of the Month” and “Employee of the Year.”

According to Dr. Olu Alabi, the IHVN Director of Finance and Administration, this recognition encompasses overall employee performance in areas such as dress code, innovation, teamwork, productivity, efficiency, leadership, interpersonal skills, punctuality, and adherence to company values and principles, among other factors.

For May 2026, IHVN celebrates Anthony Nwokoma, Douglou Samuel, Napoleon Loveth Akayi, Barine Mark Peter Ojonimi Emmanuel, Amina Osuwa, Eli Asabar Petong, Jwan Panshak and Dickson Egharevba, whose performance stood out in their teams.

Hearty cheers to our May star performers!