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The Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) has met with representatives from the City Cancer Challenge and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) to discuss potential areas of collaboration in advancing cancer research and care in Nigeria.

During the meeting which held at the IHVN Campus in Abuja, the organizations discussed ways to improve cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment through evidence-based research and capacity building. They also highlighted the importance of a coordinated response to improve cancer care infrastructure and strengthen the health system.

IRCE Coordinator, Dr. Okpokoro welcomed the guests and expressed optimism about the partnership. “The collaboration aligns with our commitment to improving health outcomes for Nigerians and this visit is aimed at fostering the advancement in cancer care, research innovation, and implementation globally and working towards creating a brighter future for cancer patients, through the combination of expertise, resources, experience and innovative solutions,” he said.

Representative from City Cancer Challenge, Dr. Meritxel Mallafré -Larrosa, noted that fostering partnerships with local stakeholders is important in  creating sustainable cancer care systems. They also shared successful case studies from other cities worldwide, offering insights into how similar initiatives can be adapted to Nigeria’s unique context.

NICRAT representative Nwamaka Lasebikan who was also at the meeting expressed her excitement for the collaboration and looked forward to meaningful partnership.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to explore a formal partnership framework and identify pilot projects to address pressing challenges in cancer care across the country.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has said that the Institute is committed to providing timely and relevant services to meet Nigeria’s public health needs. Dr. Dakum stated this during a retreat for the organization’s senior management staff and Team Leads in Lagos, Nigeria.

“This year, the beneficiaries of our services will be encountering program delivery that is highly efficient and research that is relevant to the needs of the populations that we serve.”  He said that the retreat has also equipped senior staff with leadership skills for team success.

Also at the retreat, the IHVN Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah stated that the participants have reviewed the organization’s performance in 2024, and identified gaps and strategies for enhanced performance in 2025. Dr. Mensah called for collaboration to ensure that no one is left behind.

“For public health interventions to be successful, we need collaboration amongst multiple partners with each demonstrating and honing their areas of comparative advantage. We are open to partnership and appreciate existing collaborators,” he said.

The retreat featured plenary sessions, panel discussions, leadership training, group strategy sessions, and team bonding activities.

Earlier, the Vice Chairman of the IHVN Board of Directors, Sir Steve Omojafor urged the leaders to use power wisely and utilize influence to persuade and motivate others. He said that good use of power enables leaders to build a productive workforce and utilize talents for the best solutions.

IHVN Board Director, Mr Foluso Phillips called the Team Leads to involve staff in decision-making, uphold the dignity of team members, be fair, and create an environment where people can be their best.

The IHVN Annual 2025 Performance and Strategy Review Retreat was themed, “Enhancing Progress, Accelerating Results for Sustainability.”

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 the IHVN Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Olu Alabi, this recognition covers overall employee performance in dressing, innovation, teamwork, productivity, efficiency, leadership and interpersonal skills, punctuality, and adherence to company values and principles, amongst other things.

For December 2024, IHVN Celebrates, Chidinma Ibe, Ahuche Doreen, Helen Oluwatoyin Ademola, Adeyinka Owoade, Oyediran Oludare, Dungji Gogwim Simon, Zachariah Bako, Oyeleye Samuel Olukunjo, Chinye Dumebi Rosemary, Adebimpe Manuwa and Ogunduboye Adebayo whose performance stood out in their teams.

Three hearty cheers to our December star performers!

IHVN to Organize Symposium at PANCONF 2025

To strengthen its governance structure and capacity to provide quality healthcare services, capacity building, and research in Nigeria, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has inducted two eminent professionals, Prof. Ahmed Tijjani Mora and Barr. Paul Usoro, SAN, as members of its Board of Directors.

At the ceremony, IHVN Board Chairman Alhaji Dr. Umaru Muttallab expressed confidence in the new members’ capabilities to drive the organization’s vision forward.

“I am very excited to admit two new members to the board and these are people that have come with vast experience, one experienced in the pharmaceutical industry and research and the other, very experienced as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and this is going to boost the board of IHVN,” he said.

He expressed confidence in the new members’ contributions to making the Board more effective, efficient, and result oriented.

Prof. Ahmed Tijjani Mora is a distinguished pharmacist and academic with invaluable experience in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. He is a former Registrar of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) and a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN).

“I am committed to ensuring the availability of drugs and pharmaceutical products for the treatment of tuberculosis and the maintenance of HIV care and I will encourage the management to engage with manufacturers to establish long- or short-term relationships. This approach would make these essential drugs more affordable for the organization and individuals living with HIV. Furthermore, there is no reason why this Institute cannot become a producer of pharmaceutical products itself. I am more than honored to join the board because of the caliber of people at the institute. They are individuals of great integrity, and I am genuinely happy to be part of this team” Prof. Mora said.

In the same vein, Barrister Paul Usoro, who was also inducted said that his diverse background will support the organization’s goals.

“My background is diverse. I sit on the board of a bank and have served on multiple boards, including financial institutions and telecommunications companies. I bring experience in governance, which is crucial for an organization like this. Combining this governance expertise with my core field and legal practice, I can contribute meaningfully in those areas. For instance, in the financial sector, we focus on objectives and goals to measure achievements. Similarly, I will apply this approach to support the institute’s initiatives.”

He added that “the institute’s objectives are noble, primarily focused on helping humankind from a medical perspective. Anything that aids humanity is worth encouraging. I am privileged to join this board and contribute in whatever way I can to advance the institute’s goals.” The IHVN board consists of seasoned, committed professionals and leaders in health, business, research, management, finance, communications and other areas who drive the Institute’s mission to ensure equitable access to quality health services through innovative and evidence-based services.