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Community Screening Activities Identify 21,687 TB Cases in Four States

According to the 2022 World Health Organization Global TB Report, Nigeria ranks 6th globally and first in Africa with an estimated 467,000 tuberculosis cases in 2021.

To find tuberculosis cases, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) is combing communities in Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and Osun states to sensitize and screen for tuberculosis. The USAID Tuberculosis Local Organization Network (TB-LON 3) project being implemented in these states is aimed at rapidly scaling up tuberculosis services through community implementation and partner collaboration.

Umar Hawawu, a widow in Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria was identified through one of the community interventions. Though Hawawu often went to a clinic for antenatal services, her regular complaints of cough were attributed to her pregnancy and constant worries over the death of her husband.

Her concerned sister-in-law introduced her to a Community Screening Officer, who collected her sputum and linked her to Sacred Health Hospital in Lantoro, Abeokuta for treatment. Hawawu ensured that she took her drugs daily as instructed in the hospital where she was admitted for one month.

“All my children including the baby were tested but didn’t have TB. I’d like to tell everyone that tuberculosis treatment is free and once you complete your treatment as instructed, you will be well again,” she says.

Another tuberculosis survivor, Mr. Abubakar Abdullahi notes that his lean income as a tea seller compared to hospital charges discouraged him from seeking health care in a health facility.

“When I started coughing and losing weight, I visited a hospital to complain but I was asked to pay N14,000 for preliminary tests. I couldn’t afford the amount and had to go home.”

Abdullahi accessed free tuberculosis screening at his doorstep when a Community Health Officer took his sputum.

“The Community Health Officer came back again to take me to a hospital close to my house in Remo North Local Government Area for medications. The nurse in charge told me that I had been diagnosed positive for tuberculosis. She counseled me on when and how to take the medications. I also received follow-up visits during the period of treatment of six months.”

Abdullahi is healthy now and has returned to his tea-selling business.

USAID TB-LON 3 Community Mobilization Advisor, Dr. Abiola Alege, says that the project has identified 21,687 tuberculosis cases through screening activities in communities from 2020 to date. “Community TB case-finding activities shouldn’t be ignored in our fight to identify all missing cases. This is because the cases identified by healthcare facilities are just the tip of the iceberg compared to what may be hiding within the communities,” she says.

Dr. Alege adds that “TB LON 3 program also focuses on preventive treatment for people exposed to tuberculosis. The project is committed to finding all missing TB cases and linking them to care.”

IHVN Set to Mark National TB Testing Week

Nigeria is ranked 6th among countries contributing to the global burden of tuberculosis. To increase finding of tuberculosis cases in the country, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) will participate in the National Tuberculosis (TB) Testing Week. The week is scheduled for 14th to 20th August 2023.

During the week, IHVN in collaboration with the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP), stakeholders and other partners, will conduct community awareness and enlightenment campaigns.

IHVN Coordinator Global Fund TB Public Private Mix Grant, Dr Temitope Adetiba, says that the week will also feature tuberculosis screening targeted at slums, IDP camps, churches, correctional centers, hard-to-reach areas as well as health facilities.

He adds that children and adults are eligible to be screened for tuberculosis in all the states where the Institute provides tuberculosis services.

IHVN is addressing tuberculosis in Edo, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ogun, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Anambra, Enugu, Rivers, Imo, Abia , Katsina, Lagos states and the Federal Capital Territory.

IHVN Distributes HIV Self-Test Kits to Corp Members

The Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) has distributed more than 200 HIV self-test kits to corp members volunteering in the Anti-HIV Community Development Service group in Abuja.

Prior to the distribution, the corp members who gathered at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja, received sensitization on the use of the kits. IHVN Senior Program Officer Prevention, Mr. Yaro Daniels said that “HIV self-test kits provide a user-friendly and easily accessible testing option as they can be completed at home or in private settings, eliminating the need for clinical visits and potential stigmatization. Many youths these days do not want to get tested for the fear of stigmatization,” he said.

He added that self-test kits offer an alternative testing method, reach individuals who may be reluctant or unable to visit healthcare facilities and those who might face barriers to accessing healthcare services such as key population. “This can lead to higher testing rates, and subsequently reduce the transmission of the virus. HIV self-test kits can provide a discreet and convenient testing option tailored to the specific needs of key population,” he said.

Anti-HIV Community Development Service Group Vice President, Mr. Basorun Abdul expressed his gratitude to IHVN for the practical sessions on the use of self-test kits. “We look forward to partnering with IHVN to ensure that people get tested and know their status,” he said.

Free HIV testing services were also provided to Corp Members at the event.

Manager, Health Care Waste Management

The Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a leading and reputable non-governmental organization addressing infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and cancer through the provision of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, capacity building, research, and care and support services. IHVN is in partnership with local and international organizations and the different tiers of the government of Nigeria at national, state and local levels. The Institute’s vision is to be a leader in providing quality health services, capacity building and research in West Africa and beyond.

Job TitleManager, Health Care Waste Management
Job LocationLagos, Nigeria  

Opening Date: 9/08/2023

Closing Date: 23/08/2023

The Manager of Health Care Waste Management will be responsible for overseeing the safe and environmentally sound disposal of medical and healthcare waste generated within healthcare facilities. This role plays a critical part in ensuring that healthcare waste, which can include hazardous materials, sharps, infectious waste, pharmaceuticals, and other potentially harmful substances, is managed in compliance with local regulations, international standards, and best practices to protect both public health and the environment.

The specific job description includes the following responsibilities:

  1. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all healthcare waste management activities adhere to local, state, and national regulations regarding waste disposal, including proper handling, storage, transportation, and disposal methods.
  2. Policy Development: Develop and implement comprehensive healthcare waste management policies and procedures that reflect best practices and comply with legal requirements. These policies should cover waste segregation, handling, storage, transportation, and final disposal methods.
  3. Training and Education: Provide training and education to healthcare staff on proper waste segregation, handling, and disposal techniques to minimize risks and ensure safety.
  4. Waste Segregation: Implement and monitor effective waste segregation practices within healthcare facilities to separate different types of wastes, such as infectious waste, hazardous waste, and non-hazardous waste.
  5. Waste Collection and Transportation: Organize and supervise the collection, packaging, and transportation of different categories of healthcare waste to licensed disposal facilities. This includes coordinating with waste collection contractors and maintaining records of waste shipments.
  6. Disposal Methods: Evaluate and select appropriate disposal methods for different types of healthcare waste, such as incineration, autoclaving, chemical treatment, or landfill disposal, depending on the nature of the waste and regulations.
  7. Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Identify potential risks associated with healthcare waste management processes and implement measures to mitigate those risks, protecting both healthcare workers and the environment.
  8. Equipment and Infrastructure: Ensure that healthcare facilities have the necessary equipment, containers, and infrastructure to safely store and manage healthcare waste before disposal.
  9. Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records and documentation related to waste generation, handling, transportation, and disposal for regulatory compliance and reporting purposes.
  10. Monitoring and Reporting: Regularly monitor waste management practices, track key performance indicators, and prepare reports on waste management activities and compliance to be presented to senior management or regulatory authorities.
  11. Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvement and sustainability in healthcare waste management, incorporating new technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency and minimize environmental impact.
  12. Emergency Response: Develop and implement emergency response plans in case of accidents or incidents related to healthcare waste management, ensuring that proper procedures are in place to handle such situations effectively.

Education and Experience/qualifications

  1. Degree in Environmental or Medical Sciences or any other science course with a master’s degree in any of these courses (Public Health, Environmental/Medical Sciences, or any other relevant courses) and at least five (5) years of progressive experience in HCWM. 
  2. Previous experience in the preparation of HCWM technical instruments recognized by the World Bank, strong country knowledge and of World Bank safeguard policies, experience in hazardous/HCWM activities is an advantage.    
  3. At least five years’ experience in developing training manuals or other training documents for programs/projects funded by multilateral agencies specifically on hazardous/HCWM, working experience in Nigeria or developing country under similar conditions.

Good technical and organizational background in performing hazardous/HCWM for programs/projects, and ability to cooperate and interact with stakeholders, including facilitating meetings and workshops.

Method of Application

  • Interested and qualified candidates should send a detailed resume and a one page cover letter as one MS Word document explaining suitability for the position to Deputy Director, Human Resources through this email address: [email protected]

Application must explicitly state the position applied for in the subject of the email. Candidates are advised to provide three professional referees with email addresses and phone numbers. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Project Director and State Lead | Lagos State Malaria Impact Project

The Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a leading and reputable non-governmental organization addressing infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and cancer through prevention, diagnosis, treatment, capacity building, research, and care and support services. IHVN is in partnership with local and international organizations and the different tiers of the government of Nigeria at the national, state, and local levels. The Institute aims to provide quality health services, capacity building, and research in West Africa and beyond.

The Lagos State Malaria Impact Project will be implemented by a consortium with the Lagos State Government, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, and the Society for Family Health as the Sub-Recipient and other Implementing Entities. 

To drive quality and engender global best practices in Malaria care and treatment, IHVN is seeking qualified candidates for the following position:

PositionProject Director and State Lead
Reports to:The COP/Director non-PEPFAR programs
Location:Lagos State  

Opening Date: 08th August 2023

Closing Date: 11th August 2023

Job Description

The Project Director will provide overall program oversight and will be the focal point for engagement with the funders and representation at the National level. He/she will lead the Management Team and oversee the provision of short-term technical assistance to NMEP and SMEPs and other key stakeholders. He/She will track and ensure the achievement of targets and compliance with funder’s requirements.

Responsibilities:

  • Coordinate and maintain oversight of program activities in the State including harmonization of malaria control efforts at the state level.
  • Be the liaison between the project, SMEP, NMEP, and the donor.
  • Develop and implement work plans, ensuring integration of plans and in alignment with best technical strategies.
  • Perform oversight with the project team to ensure successful data-driven routine implementation and campaign.
  • Ensure all relevant authorities and stakeholders are included in the planning and implementation of the project as appropriate.
  • Submit weekly, monthly, quarterly, and end-of-project updates and reports as required.
  • Develop and implement work plans, ensuring that plans are integrated into an overall consolidated work plan and projected expenditures.
  • Ensure monitoring systems are in place and that project reviews/audits are carried out periodically in conjunction with the project team, and key stakeholders.
  • Ensure the project is efficiently and accurately managed within allowable budget line-item flexibility with full accountability of resources.
  • Ensure familiarity and compliance of staff and stakeholders to compliance issues.
  • Work with the finance team to monitor expenditure and budget compliance on a regular basis, report any concerns and develop plans to mitigate any under or over-expenditure.
  • Closely monitor project budget spending and burn rates.
  • Work closely with the finance team to ensure timely financial reporting and provision of assistance at audits.
  • Work with the HR manager to ensure quality staff and continuous performance improvement throughout the implementation period.
  • Manage members of the staff using performance-based management approaches.
  • Any other function that the IHVN Executive Management may assign.

Requirements

  • Good communication (oral and written) and facilitation skills with proficiency in computer programming – Word processing, spreadsheet, presentation skills and video conferencing are required.
  • Proficiency in data analysis and utilization.
  • Proficiency in program narrative and proposal writing.
  • Ability to work under pressure to meet organizational targets/goals.
  • Ability to evaluate data and prepare quality reports, often under pressure and in complex situations.
  • Being goal oriented with the ability to plan and organize, make decisions, manage time, and practice critical thinking.
  • Good interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team.
  • High impact influencing and persuasive skills, and able to represent the organization to donors and other stakeholders.

Education and experience

Academic training:

Master’s degree in public health, International Development or related discipline.

Experience

  • Senior management level experience on large-sized health projects in Africa.
  • At least 15 years work experience in international projects.
  • At least 5 years of those spent in projects in developing countries lasting more than 2 years and managing teams of 10 or more including local and international staff.
  • Experience managing at least one project for an external government client for at least 2 years.
  • Experience working with performance-based contracts.
  • Experience in project and financial management with a proven track record of timely submission of high-quality project deliverables.
  • Experience working on malaria, maternal, and child health programs, including community health delivery.
  • Familiar with the Nigeria health system.
  •  

Additional skills:

  • Strategic thinking.
  • Ability to manage and inspire high-performing teams.
  • Excellent program management skills, with proven ability to implement high-quality projects on time and within budget.
  • Strong negotiation skills, particularly in engaging government health officials at all levels.
  • Good influencing and persuasion skills and ability to remain compliant with organizational and donor policies.
  • Ability to manage and prioritize high workloads and multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent English language skills, both spoken and written.
  • Capable of establishing strong working relationships with colleagues from different functions and cultures.
  • Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel.
  • Excellent presentation skills.
  • A team player, with inter-personal skills
  • Proactive and takes initiative as required.
  • Results-oriented work ethic.
  • Good capacity-building skills especially mentoring and coaching.
  • Conversant with malaria epidemiology in Nigeria.
  • Data-driven decision-making mentality.
  • Excellent advocacy skills, and comfortable being a strong advocate for malaria control.

 Equal employment opportunity statement

IHVN is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.

Mode of Application:

  • Application letter and detailed curriculum vitae in Microsoft Word format should be forwarded to the Assistant Director, Human Resources through this email address:[email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

This advert closes 5 days from the date of this publication, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Note

  • The position is dependent on the availability of funding.