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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!

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has joined the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, UNDP and the Government of Nigeria to convene a National Consultative Workshop to discuss ways to strengthen interventions against Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

The workshop, which held in Abuja, attracted representatives from the Ministries of Health, Justice, the National Human Rights Commission, UN in Nigeria, and Commissioners of Health and Justice. Also in attendance were civil society organizations, the media, policy makers and program implementers.

At the event, stakeholders stressed the need for practical, evidenced-based actions to improve health as well as social and judicial services to address GBV and IPV in the country.

Head of HIV at The Global Fund, Dr. Izukanji Sikazwe stated that the Global Fund is committed to partnerships to address HIV, TB, and malaria through the Global Fund Grant Cycle 8 (GC8).

“This meeting is a time to talk about HIV and the structural and social barriers to reaching the end of HIV. My hope is that we move from discussion to action. It matters deeply for us if we are to reach the 2030 targets to address these challenges.”

Dr. Sikawe explained that the GC8 includes IPV as an essential activity under HIV programming.

“For the first time, we included Intimate Partner Violence and Post-Rape Care as essentials. This is an opportunity for us to ensure that we prioritize our limited resources to interventions that will shift the epidemic.”

The workshop featured plenary sessions, panel discussions on the current realities of IPV and GBV in the country. It also featured deliberations on key steps and practical solutions to address challenges identified.

Representative of the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Charles Nzelu said that evidence has shown that IPV/GBV prevents HIV testing.

“This is a very serious issue. I am sure that under GC8, this will be captured. Nobody has the right to violate the rights of others.”

According to HIV Project Director Global Fund Nigeria TB HIV Reach Integration and Impact Project, Dr. Olayemi Olupitan, the Institute will continue to collaborate to address IPV/GBV in the country.

“Working together with the Government of Nigeria, NEPWHAN and Community Rights Advocates have been engaged in spotting cases within the community and helping to refer individuals to Global Fund supported sites where they can access vital services.”

The International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) is inviting researchers, scholars, public health practitioners and professionals to share innovative research findings, experiences and best practices at the upcoming 4th Annual Scientific Symposium.

Abstracts related to the symposium’s theme, “Shaping the Future of Public Health Research: Sustainable Funding, Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning and Innovation” can be submitted at bit.ly/ISS2026abstractsubmission before 30th June, 2026.

Interested researchers can submit abstracts under the following sub-themes:

• Sustainable Funding for Public Health and Research
• Research Innovation and Integrated Technologies
• Capacity Building, Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Innovation in Global Health
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Pandemic Preparedness and Health Security and
• Implementation and Implementation Science.

The 4th IRCE Annual Scientific Symposium is to hold from 31st August to 1st September 2026 at the IHVN Campus in Abuja.

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has commenced registration for the 4th International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) Annual Scientific Symposium.

Researchers, policy makers, public health experts, health workers and student, within and outside Nigeria are invited to register for the symposium to hold from 31st August to 1st September, 2026 at the IHVN Campus in Abuja.

This year, the symposium is themed, “Shaping the Future of Public Health Research, Sustainable Funding, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning and Innovation.”

Early Bird registration is open until June 30, 2026, and offers a 10% discount. Organizations or groups registering multiple participants can receive an additional 5% group registration discount.

The symposium has been held yearly since 2023 with researchers exploring themes such as “Expanding Partnerships to Sickle Cell Disease and Cancer Research,” “Addressing Local Health Challenges through Quality Research and Partnerships” and “Combating Viral Threats Through Public Health Response and Research.”

Register now by clicking here