It was an evening of glitz, glamour, and merriment when the Board of Directors, management, staff, family members, friends, and beneficiaries of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) gathered in Abuja to celebrate two decades of excellence in public health implementation, capacity building, and research.
During the dinner, there were inspiring speeches, staff testimonials, award presentations to long-serving staff, games, and dancing. At the event, IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick Dakum recounted the Institute’s progress from its establishment in 2004 till date.
“Over the years, we have provided HIV medications to more than 600,000 individuals, supported orphans and vulnerable children across the country, and restored hope for many living with HIV, including children. Some children who were born with HIV when we were established and at the point of death are now getting ready to be married.”
He said that IHVN has expanded its services to non-communicable diseases and has grown to host two centers, the Center for Public Health Implementation and the International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE).
IRCE Executive Director, Prof. Alash’le Abimiku stressed the importance of research and small beginnings and urged young researchers to keep dreaming.
IHVN Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Dr Charles Olalekan Mensah also took guests down memory lane to trace the Institute’s achievements.
IHVN is a leading non-governmental organization established in 2004 to address the HIV/AIDS crisis in Nigeria by developing infrastructure for treatment, care, prevention, and support for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. The Institute has expanded its services to other infectious diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, and non-infectious diseases, including cancers. As a local organization, the Institute is structured to collaboratively develop and maintain linkages within and outside the country that support the Government of Nigeria’s health sector strategic plans.
