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During a media briefing in Abuja to celebrate this milestone, IHVN's CEO, Dr. Patrick Dakum, credited the institute's achievements to its collaboration with essential stakeholders, including global health organizations and Nigerian governmental bodies.
“We have engaged with all 36 state governments at different times, and we are immensely thankful for their support. Our partnerships with the private sector and international collaborators, such as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Global Fund, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have also been vital in helping us reach our public health objectives,” Dakum stated.
These collaborations have not only secured crucial funding but have also introduced technical expertise and innovative strategies to address health challenges such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Dakum highlighted that, through these partnerships, IHVN has successfully established two significant institutions: the Public Health Implementation Center and the International Research Center of Excellence. Both centers play a crucial role in enhancing public health capacity and facilitating advanced research.
“Beyond merely treating patients, we are focused on building capacity through training in clinical management and palliative care, while also conducting pioneering research to guide policy and enhance healthcare delivery,” Dakum concluded.
One of the key contributions of IHVN has been in the realm of palliative care. With the backing of international donors, the institute has equipped healthcare professionals throughout Nigeria to deliver compassionate, patient-focused care to individuals facing life-limiting illnesses. This initiative has provided dignity and solace to countless patients and their families.
Looking ahead, Dakum has announced plans to enhance the institute's influence by establishing a learning and development center that will offer degree programs in collaboration with both local and international universities. “This initiative will further our mission of cultivating a skilled healthcare workforce capable of addressing Nigeria’s changing health needs,” he stated.
While IHVN’s accomplishments are commendable, Dakum highlighted that the real impact is reflected in the lives that have been saved and improved. “Every statistic represents a person whose quality of life has been uplifted, and this is what brings us the greatest satisfaction,” he noted.
Nonetheless, Dakum cautioned against the dangers of complacency following short-term achievements. He underscored the necessity of maintaining continuity in healthcare policies, especially those that have effectively tackled health crises.
“Any successful initiative should be built upon if you are in a leadership role. There is no need to overhaul everything simply because you are in charge. Such a mindset can undermine the long-term viability of our public health programs,” he advised.
The success of IHVN began in 2004 with a grant from Professor William Blattner, who was then the director of the epidemiology division at the University of Maryland’s Institute of Human Virology. The institute was established to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nigeria by creating a framework for treatment, care, prevention, and support for those affected by the disease. Over the years, IHVN has broadened its services to encompass a range of infectious and non-infectious diseases, consistently adapting to the public health needs of Nigeria.
IHVN has been a leader in capacity building alongside its clinical initiatives. Since its inception in 2004, the institute has delivered HIV testing services to over 18 million individuals and provided life-saving antiretroviral treatment to more than 600,000 people. Additionally, it has trained upwards of 50,000 healthcare professionals and offered tuberculosis services to over 300,000 individuals.
The celebration of the institute’s 20th anniversary serves not only as a moment to reflect on its accomplishments but also as a rallying point for ongoing collaboration. Dakum emphasized that many of IHVN's most significant successes are best illustrated by the lives it has positively impacted over the years. He noted that the institute has effectively utilized financial backing from various funding agencies and established partnerships with government entities at all levels to enhance the well-being of numerous Nigerians.
As IHVN looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its mission to enhance health outcomes across Nigeria and West Africa. The institute has called for sustained partnerships with stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to tackle the increasing health challenges in the region.
In his closing remarks, Dakum expressed gratitude to the University of Maryland for its continuous technical support and commended the commitment of IHVN’s staff and partners. He stated, “We have achieved significant progress, but there is still much work ahead. Together, we can further advance the health of Nigeria and West Africa.”