The Director Prevention Care and Treatment Services at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Dr. Helen Omuh has said that the Institute is utilizing strategic approaches to sustain the provision of quality public health services despite global funding changes.
Dr. Omuh said this at the 9th Annual Health Conference of the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHEJ) in Abuja. She added that IHVN is leveraging technology for targeted community testing, carrying out hot-spot mapping and providing integrated services for sustained response to public health programs.
While commending the journalists for their contribution in creating awareness on health, she said that “Nigerians deserve quality care. At IHVN, we are constantly innovating and working with experts and clients to improve service provision and processes while nurturing partnerships.”
At the conference themed, “Domestic Resource Mobilization in the face of Dwindling Foreign Grants and Aid,” Dr. Omuh explained that the Institute has expanded its intervention areas beyond HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, to non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, water sanitation and hygiene and health systems strengthening.
Also at the event, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako said that “durable health outcomes are created where sound policy, predictable domestic finance and strategic partnerships converge.”
Dr. Salako, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Health System Strengthening, Dr Babatunde Ladi-Akinyemi, said that over the years, the country has demonstrated committed response to foreign investments through counterpart funding.
“Nigeria’s public finances are undergoing necessary rebalancing, but this also means we cannot rely on simple substitution of foreign grants with unfunded domestic promises. Our response, therefore, must be strategic, evidence-based and audacious.”
He explained that the Ministry is actively diversifying financing sources by structuring public-private partnerships for vaccine logistics, laboratory networks and innovative last-mile service delivery.
In his welcome address, FCT Chapter ANHEJ President, Mr. Joseph Kadiri explained that the conference provides a space for crucial national conversations about the survival, stability and progress of the country’s health sector. He stressed the important role of journalists in shaping public perception, influencing policy decisions and ensuring that government commitments are made and fulfilled.
“Through our reporting, we spotlight the realities faced by Nigerian families, amplify the voices of the underserved and hold the system accountable to its promise of equitable, people-cantered healthcare for all.”
Special Adviser to the Hon. Minister of State for Health on Health System Strengthening, Dr Babatunde Ladi-Akinyemi and IHVN Director Prevention Care and Treatment, Dr. Helen Omuh at the 9th ANHEJ Conference in Abuja.
Conference dignitaries and participants pose for a group picture.
