The Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN), says it has made significant strides to improve the country’s public health system through strategic partnerships with local and international organisations.

Patrick Dakum, CEO of IHVN, said this on Tuesday in Abuja at a news conference commemorating the institute’s 20 years of excellence in public health implementation, capacity building and research in Nigeria.

Mr Dakum said collaboration in driving public health initiatives had saved lives and strengthened healthcare infrastructure across the country.

“Funding from the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Global Fund, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been critical; it has helped in enabling us to achieve our goals,” he said.

He said the partnerships had brought financial resources as well as technical expertise and innovative approaches in tackling some of Nigeria’s most pressing health challenges like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

Mr Dakum said that through collaboration with global entities, the country had been able to establish two key institutions: the Public Health Implementation Centre and the International Research Centre of Excellence.

He announced plans to expand these efforts by developing learning and development centres offering degree-awarding programmes in partnership with universities locally and abroad.

“These centres have allowed us to go beyond just treating patients, and we are now building capacity through training in clinical management and palliative care, as well as conducting cutting-edge research,” he said

While agreeing that these achievements are impressive, Mr Dakum said the true impact of these programmes lies not in statistics but in the lives that have been saved and improved.

“With support from international donors, IHVN has been able to train healthcare workers across Nigeria to provide compassionate, patient-centred care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses.

“This initiative has given dignity to patients and their families, ensuring that the end of life is met with comfort and care,” he said.

He stressed the need for sustained collaboration with local governments, private sector entities, and international donors.

Mr Dakum highlighted the critical need for continuity in Nigeria’s healthcare response.

He said that without improvements in areas like water supply, nutrition, and infrastructure, health gains would be limited.

Mr Dakum called for collaboration with universities and suggested a broader strategy to foster innovation and growth in health education and research, ensuring a sustainable future.

IHVN was incorporated in October 2004. The institute was established to outlast the grant and address the HIV/AIDS crisis in Nigeria by developing infrastructure for treatment, care, prevention, and support for people living with and affected by HIV.

(NAN)